Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members were fatally stabbed by a fellow soldier during an altercation at the Macadamia Military Base near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga in the early hours of today.

According to Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, SANDF director of communications, the matter is currently under investigation.

“Preliminary information indicates that a tragic altercation involving SANDF members resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. It is alleged that one of them fatally stabbed his colleagues,” said Tshabalala.

He added that the SANDF, in conjunction with the SAPS, has launched a full investigation.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of an ongoing inquiry, and further details will be communicated once officially verified,” he said.

“The SANDF expresses its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased members. This is a deeply painful moment for the organisation and the military community at large.

“We appeal to the public and the media to allow the investigative processes to unfold without speculation, and to respect the dignity and privacy of the affected families during this difficult time,” said Tshabalala.

At the time of publishing, it was unclear whether the suspect had been arrested.