Cape Town – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an inquest into the deaths of four South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members, suspected to be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
The soldiers, stationed on a 24-hour shift at a dormant mining shaft in Orkney, were discovered inside a container that served as a guardhouse during their 24-hour duty shift on Saturday morning, July 6, 2024, as the next shift was preparing to take over.
Police responded to the scene and upon inspection, found all four deceased, with their rifles and personal items still in place.
Preliminary findings suggest they might have lit a fire inside the container for warmth.
“The district surgeon was called to the scene and examined the bodies and confirmed no injuries. A team from the Pretoria FSL Chemistry Unit, also attended the scene and preliminary findings are that the deaths of the members could have been caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, from a possible fire made by the members during the cold night inside the container structure,” a statement said.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Klerksdorp State Mortuary for further investigation.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa extended condolences to the families.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
