The BDF joined other SADC forces to combat terrorism and acts of violent extremism. The previous two deaths of BDF members were not combat related. The first BDF member was killed in a vehicle accident in July 2021 while the second died in an accidental fire discharge at Pemba, Mozambique. Botswana is part of several SADC states which deployed troops to quell the terrorist insurgency in Mozambique, which started in July last year.
In a media release Wednesday, the BDF revealed that Lance Corporal Zikamee Kamal was killed by Ahlu-Sunnah Wal-Jamaah (ASWJ) terrorists in the area of Nkonga village in Nangade district, Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique on Tuesday alongside Sergeant Musa Mpondo from Tanzania. Another soldier from Tanzania is reported to have sustained minor injuries and he is said to be recovering at the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) Level II hospital in Pemba. BDF spokesperson Colonel Magosi Moshagane said Kamal was deployed as part of the BDF 3rd contingent under SAMIM forces in the Cabo Delgado region for a peace support operation. He stated that SAMIM operations are aimed at neutralising terrorist threat and restoring security in order to create a secure environment to strengthen and maintain peace and security in support of the government of Mozambique. He further reaffirmed BDF’s commitment and support to peace and security in the SADC region. “Despite incidents, our soldiers remain resolute to bring peace and security to the people of Mozambique.
