By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed 23 Gauteng crime warden trainees were injured when a vehicle drove into them during a drill training session on Friday at the Dunnottar Military Base in Nigel.
A total of 14 members with minor injuries have been discharged and 9 members remain in hospital for further medical attention.
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said the injured trainees were taken to several hospitals around Dunnottar Military Base.
“A total of fourteen members with minor injuries have been discharged, and nine members remain in hospital for further medical attention.
“The person who caused the incident was taken into custody and is under medical supervision, and a case was opened with the South African Police Service (Saps),” Dlamini said.
Dlamini said the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga and the Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi were visiting the scene of the incident. They have received full briefing by the relevant authorities and medical personnel who attended to the injured members.
“The two principals are also interacting with the members who have been affected by this incident at the military base this morning. Social workers, psychologists, and chaplains have been dispatched to families of the injured and hospitalised members to provide support.”
Dlamini added that an investigation was under way to determine what caused the accident.
The accident comes a few weeks after four members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) died due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after they allegedly made a fire to keep themselves warm during freezing weather in North West.