/ 10 August 2001

NDF BATTLES WITH UNITA – DEATHS LISTED

THE National Society for Human Rights yesterday released the names of three more Namibian Defence Force soldiers it alleges died while fighting Unita in southern Angola last month. The NSHR statement was mainly aimed at backing up its earlier claims that eight NDF soldiers were killed in combat with Unita in July. The human rights organisation specified the deaths of Private Kandjambanga, Private Trofimus Simon Hangula (36) and Corporal Aaron Isack Hanyanya while fighting against Unita. Ministry of Defence spokesman Vincent Mwange said yesterday they were cross-checking the latest NSHR claims. Last week the NSHR said eight NDF soldiers died on July 21 but the NDF denied the report, stating that “only two died” while three were wounded. Prior to the NSHR statement, Unita had claimed that it killed 10 Namibian soldiers on July 18. – The Namibian