UPDATE | Soldier kills comrade and then himself after altercation

A soldier was stabbed to death during the early hours of Saturday at the Macadamia Military Base near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga, allegedly after a confrontation with a colleague who then turned the knife on himself. 

The second soldier died from his self-inflicted wounds. 

Rear-Adm Prince Tshabalala, confirmed the incident to TimesLIVE on Saturday.

“The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) confirms that an unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of this morning at the Macadamia Military Base near Komatipoort, Mpumalanga,” Tshabalala said.

“A SANDF member, who had been approved for withdrawal from duty, attacked fellow soldiers in his accommodation. One member died during the incident. The attacker later died from self-inflicted wounds when he stabbed himself in the neck. The SANDF and the SA Police Service (SAPS) launched a joint investigation. Military Health and Chaplain Services were sent to support the affected members. The names of the deceased are being withheld until their families have been informed. Further details will be shared as the investigation continues,” Tshabalala said.

The SANDF, in conjunction with the SAPS, has launched a full investigation into the matter.

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

The SANDF appealed to the public and 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.

* This story has been updated to reflect that the second soldier who died was the assailant.

TimesLIVE