The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on Monday night 23 June released the names of the two soldiers who were stabbed to death by a colleague over the weekend at Macadamia Military Base, near Komatipoort.
Corporal Simphiwe Philani Nene and Lance Corporal Eric Thanduyise Ngubane were both members of the five South African Infantry Battalion based in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, according to an SANDF statement.
They were deployed as part of Operation CORONA, a national border protection mission, close to the Mozambique border.
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || Monday, 23 June 2025 || The #SANDF releases the names of members who passed on during an incident of stabbing in Macadamia Military Base.
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) June 23, 2025
Media Statement by Defence Corporate Communication || Media Liaison.#RIPSASoldiers pic.twitter.com/R5ydAYygPV
The perpetrator of the attack, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, was a soldier stationed at the same base. The man tried to take his own life after the attack but failed.
“[The suspect] is currently in custody, and a joint investigation by the SANDF and the South African Police Service is underway,” said SANDF spokesperson, Prince Tshabalala.
“The SANDF, in conjunction with the South African Police Service, has launched a full investigation into the matter. The circumstances surrounding the matter remain subject to ongoing enquiry,” added Tshabalala.
Initial reports issued by the SANDF had incorrectly stated that the two soldiers were shot and killed. The statement was later retracted and clarified to reflect that the victims had been stabbed.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, Deputy Ministers Bantu Holomisa and Richard Hlophe, Acting Secretary for Defence Dr Thobekile Gamede, and SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya extended their condolences to the families of the deceased and to the wider military community.
