Six South African soldiers serving in a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo were believed killed in a road accident near Goma on Tuesday, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said.
It is believed the SANDF troops were travelling in a Casspir vehicle, which swerved off the road and plunged into Lake Kifu at about 1pm, it said in a statement.
”Five soldiers managed to escape, but the remaining six were trapped in the vehicle and are presumed dead.”
The five who escaped were being treated for minor wounds and shock.
The SANDF said it will launch a board of inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the accident.
The names of the deceased will be released once their next-of-kin has been contacted. — Sapa