Johannesburg - The three SA Air Force members killed when their Cessna Caravan crashed in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, were named by the SA National Defence Force on Wednesday.
Major TJ Malia, 37, and pilots Captain MA Wembie, 28, and Captain FP Hugo, 27, were killed in the accident on Tuesday, Brig-Gen Xolani Mabanga said in a statement.
The military plane crashed in Blystaanhoogte, near Lydenburg, after taking off from the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.
Sergeant CB Mabusela, 36, and Corporal GD Ramasilo, 47, were injured.
All five were members of 41 Squadron.
“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Chief of the SANDF, General Solly Shoke and the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Zimpande Msimang would like to convey their sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. They further wish the injured members a speedy recovery.”
Mabanga could not immediately be reached for further details.
According to the SAAF website, Squadron 41 is tasked with providing “professional, combat-ready light air transport capabilities to the RSA and all stake holders”.
This included routine air transport and support, air logistic support, battlefield air support and emergency services in all weather, day or night.
Sapa