SANDF rubbish ‘fake news’ around paratrooper mishap at Ramaphosa inauguration

The South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) said – contrary to social media reports – the paratrooper who crash-landed during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration on Saturday was not fighting for his life in a hospital intensive care.

Spokesperson Brigadier General Mafi Mgobozi said on Monday: “The SANDF can confirm that the member received medical attention at the stadium and [was] released. The reports on social media platforms that the member is in the intensive care unit are not true.

“The SANDF once again would like to caution the public not to spread incorrect and irresponsible information.”

Mgobozi said the SANDF was concerned about the inaccurate reports being peddled around the incident.

Paratroopers were part of the major military displays during the swearing-in ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

The event was attended by thousands of South Africans and foreign delegates, including several heads of state and government.

As he descended onto the pitch, directing his parachute, the soldier crashed into a soft-shell mortar launcher which was on display, sparking gasps from the terraces.

The video of the incident has been widely shared on social media platforms, particularly on Twitter and Facebook, and in many instances causing hot debates about the capabilities of the SANDF members.

Massive military displays and spectacular aircraft formations mesmerised the thousands of people who had come from different provinces and nations to witness Ramaphosa’s inauguration.

– African News Agency

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