Christmas Day flood tragedy: Minister visits military base near Komatipoort
Minister Angie Motshekga confirmed that psychosocial support is being provided to families and colleagues after two SANDF soldiers died on Christmas Day.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga visited the Macadamia military base near Komatipoort to assess the situation after a tragic incident.
Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, aged 33 and 39, were conducting routine border safeguarding duties under Operation Corona when their patrol vehicle was swept away by a strong current while attempting to cross the Nkomazi River.
The Minister of Defence & Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga arrives Komatipoort, Mpumalanga. She is expected to meet with the families of the two SANDF members that were swept away on Christmas day. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/WIlkEtXF4f
— Tumelo Machogo 🇿🇦® (@IamTumelo) December 30, 2025
ALSO READ: Police search for missing SANDF soldier near Komatipoort
During her visit, Motshekga met with the family of one of the deceased, describing the loss as ‘heartbreaking.’ She noted that she had personally interacted with them just days earlier, on December 23, while they were on duty.
“I am honestly saddened by this. It is a common route, but the tide was underestimated. As a department, we will provide the necessary support to the families and the surviving staff during this difficult time,” said Motshekga.
Komatipoort, Mpumalanga: A @SANDF_ZA vehicle swept away.
The body of one soldier has been recovered. Another is missing. pic.twitter.com/VYS5g8qhZW
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 26, 2025
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She also confirmed that psychosocial support is being provided to the grieving families and colleagues of the fallen soldiers.
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“In accordance with standard military procedure, a Board of Inquiry will be convened to investigate the specific circumstances of the incident. The findings will be used to improve safety protocols for troops navigating hazardous weather conditions during border operations,” she said.
#sapsNW [UPDATE ON THE MISSING SANDF MEMBER] As the search continued at Komati river in Komatipoort today, Monday 29 December 2025, the team was alerted by a local fisherman about the remains of a person floating in the river. It was then confirmed that it was indeed the remains… https://t.co/gJecw798O4 pic.twitter.com/CzQwP1uzqO
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 29, 2025
