The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has clarified the events that led to the deaths of two soldiers and the injury of a third at the Macadamia Military Base near Komatipoort in the early hours of Saturday, June 21.

Initial reports suggested a shooting, with some outlets reporting that a soldier had shot two colleagues before turning the weapon on himself.

However, these claims were later corrected when it emerged that the incident had involved a stabbing, not a firearm.

According to a statement issued by Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, director of corporate communication for the SANDF, a soldier entered a bungalow housing other members and allegedly threatened them with a knife.

While some managed to flee, two remained inside. One of them was fatally stabbed and the other injured. The attacker later stabbed himself in the neck and died in hospital.

“The SANDF member allegedly attacked fellow soldiers inside the accommodation bungalow. One soldier died at the scene, another was injured, and the attacker later died in hospital from self-inflicted wounds,” said Tshabalala.

He confirmed that the injured soldier was also hospitalised and that the SANDF, with support from the SAPS, had launched a full investigation to determine the facts.

Members of the Military Health and Chaplain Services have been deployed to the base to offer support and counselling to personnel affected by the incident.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane initially declined to comment, citing protocol that designated the SANDF as the official communication channel. However, she later confirmed to SABC News that police had opened cases of murder, attempted murder and an inquest.

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“As the police, we are investigating a case of murder, attempted murder and an inquest following an incident that occurred at the Macadamia Base Camp. We were informed of an alleged altercation among individuals at the base. Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this stage,” she said.

The identities of the deceased had not been released at the time of publication.