The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, recently visited the Macadamia military base near Komatipoort following a tragic incident involving two soldiers of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). This incident drew significant attention as it occurred during routine border safeguarding duties under Operation Corona, highlighting the dangers faced by military personnel in their line of duty.
On Christmas Day, the soldiers, aged 33 and 39, were tragically swept away while attempting to cross the Nkomazi River. Their patrol vehicle was caught in a strong current, exacerbating the risks associated with their duties. This dreadful incident served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the environments where military operations are conducted.
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.
— Tumelo Machogo
® (@IamTumelo) December 30, 2025
During her visit, Motshekga met with the families of the fallen soldiers and expressed her deepest condolences, describing the loss as “heartbreaking.” Just two days prior to the incident, she had interacted with the soldiers while they were on duty, adding a personal connection to her grieving heart.
Motshekga noted that while crossing the Nkomazi River was a common route for patrols, the tide was drastically underestimated. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, she assured the public and the families that the department would provide necessary support during this difficult time.
Komatipoort, Mpumalanga: A @SANDF_ZA vehicle swept away. The body of one soldier has been recovered. Another is missing.
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) December 26, 2025
As recovery efforts continued, reports indicated that one soldier’s body had been found, while the other remained missing. Search operations, involving local law enforcement and military personnel, aimed to locate the remaining soldier, underscoring the urgency and importance of their mission.
Local fishermen played an active role in the search efforts, and it was reported that a fisherman alerted authorities when human remains were spotted floating in the river. This crucial tip led to further investigations into the identity of the remains, believed to belong to the missing soldier.
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Motshekga confirmed that psychosocial support would be provided not only to the families of the deceased but also to their surviving colleagues. Acknowledging the emotional toll of such tragic loss, these measures aim to help them navigate through their grief.
In order to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future, Motshekga announced that a Board of Inquiry would be convened to investigate the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. The findings from this inquiry will be essential in improving safety protocols for troops operating in hazardous weather conditions, a critical factor in any border-enhancing mission.
#sapsNW [UPDATE ON THE MISSING SANDF MEMBER] As the search continued at Komati river in Komatipoort today, 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…
— SA Police Service
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