SANDF Member Shoots Two Colleagues Dead Before Taking Own Life
June 21, 2025 – Tragedy struck the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) over the weekend as a violent incident at the Macadamia Military Base near Komatipoort left three soldiers dead. In a shocking case that has rattled the military community, an SANDF member shot and killed two of his colleagues before turning the firearm on himself in the early hours of Saturday morning.
According to early reports, the fatal shooting followed an apparent altercation among the soldiers stationed at the base. While the exact cause of the argument is still unknown, officials confirmed that the incident unfolded during the early hours of Saturday, sparking chaos and fear among others on the premises.
The identities of the deceased soldiers have not been released pending official notification of next of kin. Military and police authorities are actively investigating what prompted the fatal dispute that ended in such devastation.
“The South African National Defence Force, in conjunction with the South African Police Service, has launched a full investigation into the matter,” said SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala. “The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active inquiry, and we are working to determine the events that led to this tragedy.”
Tshabalala also conveyed the military’s condolences to the families and friends of the deceased soldiers, calling the incident a heartbreaking moment for the institution.
This latest incident where an SANDF member shoots fellow soldiers has reignited national concerns about internal conflict, mental health, and firearm safety within South Africa’s military institutions.
Security analysts and mental health professionals are urging the SANDF to step up wellness programs, particularly stress and trauma management services, for soldiers dealing with difficult working conditions and prolonged deployments.
“Military life, especially in high-tension areas or remote deployments, can place enormous psychological strain on individuals,” said defense analyst Dr. Sipho Maseko. “What we are possibly seeing here is a tragic culmination of unresolved conflict, mental distress, or a breakdown in the command structure that failed to de-escalate a brewing issue.”
Dr. Maseko added that the SANDF must look deeper into the systemic issues that may have contributed to this violent outcome, including workplace harassment, substance abuse, and inadequate conflict resolution procedures.
SANDF Faces Pressure to Review Security Protocols
In response to the tragedy, calls have grown louder for the SANDF to reevaluate its internal procedures regarding the issuance of firearms, barracks supervision, and psychological assessments of its members.
The incident raises serious questions: How was the firearm accessed? Were there warning signs before the altercation? Could intervention have prevented the shooting?
Military watchdog groups argue that there should be more stringent checks on the mental and emotional well-being of personnel assigned to handle weapons. They also demand increased accountability for base commanders and supervisory officers to detect and report interpersonal conflicts among troops.
“This is not the first time an SANDF member has been involved in a deadly incident involving colleagues,” said a representative of the Military Personnel Advocacy Forum. “The SANDF must urgently adopt best practices in personnel management and intervention strategies before more lives are lost.”
Local residents in Komatipoort have expressed shock at the news, describing the base as a quiet and disciplined environment. Many were left stunned that such a violent act could occur in a military facility meant to uphold discipline, peace, and order.
“It’s really frightening,” said a local business owner near the base. “We always thought the soldiers were very professional and committed. It’s heartbreaking to hear that such violence happened among them.”
In a show of solidarity, local churches and community groups are expected to hold a candlelight vigil for the deceased in the coming days. The SANDF also announced it will provide psychological counseling and support services to colleagues affected by the incident.
As authorities piece together the events that led to this deadly confrontation, many unanswered questions remain. Why did the argument escalate? Were there previous reports of tension between the soldiers? Could the tragic loss of three lives have been prevented?
The SANDF, alongside SAPS forensic investigators, is expected to release more details following the conclusion of the preliminary investigation.
For now, the nation mourns another senseless loss within the ranks of those sworn to protect it. And as the story unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on how the SANDF will respond—not just in seeking justice, but in ensuring such tragedies do not happen again.
Source- EWN
