SANDF MORTAR BOMB KILLS THREE IN GRAHAMSTOWN
Eastern Cape police ordnance experts confirmed on Thursday that a 60 millimetre mortar bomb "normally used" by the South African National Defence Force caused the deaths of three people earlier in the week.
"We are looking at various possibilities as to how the device got there, including that it was picked up by people looking for scrap," said Grahamstown police spokeswoman, Captain Mali Govender.
On Monday, Justin Martin, 52, Johannes Kortrooi, 58, and five-year-old Leonardo Lottering died after the mortar bomb exploded outside a house in Ghost Town, Grahamstown.
An unnamed eight-year-old boy remained in hospital with "serious shrapnel" injuries.
It is believed the mortar bomb came from the 6 South African Infantry Battalion (6 SAI) base situated on the outskirts of Grahamstown.
Govender said three inquest dockets have been opened, and an investigation launched under the Explosives Act.
Govender said the military at the army base had previously reported that holes had been dug under the perimeter fence by local residents in search of scrap metal.
She said once the investigation was concluded the question of liability and who, if anybody, was responsible for the explosion, would be determined.
Govender warned the public, particularly children, not to touch or play with unfamiliar parcels or devices.
Attempts to get hold of 6 SAI base were not immediately successful, as were attempts to get answers around liability from defence headquarters in Pretoria.
-
30 Juin 2005 à 13:18 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
