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Fourth aviation cadet passes on

“He was our last hope,” brother cried after cadet pilot's death following a light aircraft crash in eMalahleni.

May 2, 2024
Simanga Mkhize 1 minute read
Octorian Keitsheng Mashilane (40) died on Tuesday, April 30.

The fourth man who was involved in a light aircraft that crashed outside a local mine, unfortunately, passed earlier this week.

Octorian Keitsheng Mashilane (40) died on Tuesday, April 30.

He was the only survivor of the tragic crash that killed three young cadets from Kishigu Aviation Group on Sunday, April 21.

He was admitted at Witbank Provincial Hospital and spent five days in casualty before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The aspiring cadet pilot suffered severe burn wounds after the light aircraft burst into flames.

During an exclusive interview earlier today (May 2) Mashilane’s brother, Topic Mashilane, was still very traumatised and said that he does not have much to say other than the fact that his brother’s passing deeply saddens him.

“He was our last hope. We prayed and had hoped for his recovery,” Mashilane cried.

He also shared that his brother will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 4 at his homestead at Matibidi Rural Village in Dinakaneng.

Mr Ronny Nkambule, grandfather of Themba Maibela informed WITBANK NEWS that today is the commemoration service for Themba and one other cadet.

“Saturday is their burial, separately but in the same village,” Nkambule ended.

 

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May 2, 2024
Simanga Mkhize 1 minute read
 
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