Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
15 October 2002
It is with regret and sadness that the South African Government notes the loss of four lives by the South African Protection Support Detachment based in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The soldiers who lost their lives during a routine "search and rescue" exercise were serving their country far from home and in difficult circumstances. The South African Government would like to extend their condolences to the families of these soldiers.
The South African Government would also like to use this opportunity to thank the Transitional Government of the Republic of Burundi for their support and assistance during the search for the missing bodies.
The South African Government would also like to thank the Embassy of Belgium in Bujumbura, Burundi for the assistance rendered.