Remains of solider killed in Darfur ambush repatriated

23 March 2016 - 17:16 By TMG Digital

The mortal remains of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier killed when his military convoy was ambush in Northern Darfur will be formally received at Air Force Base Waterkloof on Wednesday.Corporal Mxolisi Edward Mnyipika lost his life while providing security escort for humanitarian aid trucks was ambushed on March 9.Another soldier was wounded in the night attack on the convoy‚ which was en route to an exchange point between SANDF and Rwandese battalions. "This was a routine security escort to protect the movement of World Food Programme (WFP) trucks to a pre-determined destination. In this instance‚ the SANDF battalion were to escort the convoy to a point where it was to be taken over by the Rwandese battalion‚" the SANDF said at the time. "The convoy came under fire 25km away from the exchange point and was able to hold ground and protect the WFP trucks"During the exchange of fire‚ unfortunately one member of the SANDF was fatally wounded whilst another was wounded."An SANDF statement on Tuesday said Mnyipika’s remains have been repatriated and will be formally received at a ceremony at the air force facility...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.