By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Navy’s board of inquiry is set to launch an investigation into the deaths of the three mariners who lost their lives on Wednesday afternoon.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and a range of other emergency medical personnel rushed to Kommetjie in Cape Town after reports of naval mariners having difficulty in the water, when high waves swept a group.
According to SA Navy spokesperson Ruwayda Grootboom, the inquiry is set to commence on 11 October and will be completed by 10 November.
“The outcome of the board of inquiry will be shared within the prescripts of the law and in line with South African National Defence Force (SANDF) policies and procedures,” Grootboom said.
SA Navy has since requested that members of the media allow the families, SA Navy and the general South African public time and space to mourn and “honour the lives of the fallen sailors”.
Grootboom said, furthermore, the SA Navy condemns all unfounded speculation regarding the circumstances that gave rise to the incident. Such speculation only adds injury to an already open wound.
“The SAN requests media members to treat this tragedy with the sensitivity it deserves and respect the bereaved families’ privacy.”
“Allow the souls of the sailors to rest peacefully at this stage,” requested Grootboom.
The navy said it took note of all enquiries and questions regarding the submarine incident but that time and space must be given to allow the investigations to commence.
Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese has requested that the inquiry commence after the funerals taken place.
On Thursday, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) released the names of the deceased SA Navy submariners: Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa (48), Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Mojela (43), and Lieutenant Commander Gillian Hector (33).
Hector was heralded as the first woman in Africa to navigate a submarine.
The five remaining crew members had been admitted to hospital, with the SANDF saying one senior official was in critical condition.
The submarine was set to be a part of the Mini Navy Festival scheduled for Saturday at the V&A Waterfront and was to be among the crafts open to the public during Heritage Day celebrations, which run from Saturday until Monday.