16 September 1999
It was with great shock that I was informed of the tragic incident at 1 SA Infantry Battalion, Tempe Military Base, Free State, in which so many lives were lost earlier today.
On behalf of myself and all the members of the command cadre of the SANDF, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences and sympathies to the relatives, friends and families of those who died and were injured in this serious incident.
I call on all members of the SANDF to remain calm under these very sad and trying circumstances and to give every possible support to those who have lost so much. I also appeal to everybody to patiently await the findings of the investigation presently being conducted by the SA Police Services. The SANDF will give all possible support to this investigation.
I also condemn in the strongest possible terms any use of violence within the ranks of the SA National Defence for whatever reason. There are established and effective channels through which all members can make their feelings known without resorting to violence or actions of ill-discipline.
Issued by : SA National Defence force Headquarters
(Communication Service)
Private Bag X161
Pretoria
0001
Inquiries : Colonel John Rolt
Telephone : (012) 355-6388/9