The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has confirmed that two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were killed when their truck overturned on R31 road between Koopmansfontein and Delportshoop.

The truck was travelling with 19 SANDF members from Lohatla Army Base.

Police say the soldiers died on the scene while 17 others were hospitalised.

Provincial Police Spokesperson Sergio Kock says, “The SAPS are investigating a culpable homicide case following the accident involving a SANDF truck. Preliminary information indicates that the accident occurred on Friday afternoon.”

Kock says, “The truck was travelling with 19 SANDF members from Lohatla Army Base en route to Kimberley. The SANDF truck was travelling in rainy weather conditions from Lohatla to Kimberley when the accident occurred. The cause of the accident forms part of the police investigation.”