06 August, let us pause to remember these young men from our Generation who answered the Sunset call.
06 Aug 1980: 79861193HV Rifleman Petrus Jacob from 35 Battalion (Later 101 Battalion SWATF) was Killed in Action during a contact with SWAPO/PLAN insurgents in Northern Owamboland. He was 19.
06 Aug 1980: 79876405SC Rifleman Neels Jacobus Reynolds from 41 Battalion (Later 911 Battalion SWATF) was Killed in Action during a contact with SWAPO/PLAN insurgents in Northern Owamboland. He was 18.
06 Aug 1986: 83346981BG Lance Corporal Jacobus Andries Cornelius Nel from the Intelligence School in Kimberley died in the Universitas Hospital after being critically injured on 05 August 1986 when his SAMIL 50 vehicle overturned 500m from the Unit Headquarters. Four members were killed instantly and he was one of two that were critically injured. Both were to later die from their injuries bringing the casualty total to six for this incident. He was 18.
06 Aug 1993: 83230888BT Private Deon Smuts from the South African Army was attending a 1-Month compulsory camp when he was given an official 2-day leave pass. He was later found dead at his home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head using a .22 pistol. He was 26.
06 Aug 1995: 81540015PE Sergeant Jacobus Makume Mahlatsi from 115 Battalion was killed in a military vehicle accident in Pretoria. He was 39.
06 Aug 1997: Two members from 5 SAI were killed in a military motor vehicle accident, at Bushmansnek when their Samil 20 truck overturned. The casualties were:
96675640PV Rifleman Thulani Blessings Nzama. He was 22.
95654505PV Rifleman Derrick Mathe. He was 24
Their names and sacrifices will not be forgotten