A Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldier deployed in Mozambique has shot and killed his female colleague, injured another, and turned the rifle on himself.
A statement from BDF confirmed the incident, stating that the soldier, a major, killed his female junior, a private, using his service rifle.
“The Botswana Defence Force wishes to regrettably inform members of the public about an unfortunate shooting incident in which the BDF lost two service members deployed in the Cabo Delgado province in the Republic of Mozambique,” reads the statement in part.
The third soldier sustained a hand injury and is reportedly stable.
No further details have been shared as “investigations to establish circumstances surrounding the incident that resulted in the death of these two service personnel are ongoing".
"Whilst the BDF conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, it withholds the names of the deceased to allow their families space to privately mourn during this difficult time,” further reads the statement in part.
The deceased were deployed as part of the third contingent under SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) forces in Cabo Delgado for a peace mission. SAMIM operations aim to neutralise any terrorist threat and restore security and order in the region to maintain peace and stability.
Today's developing story comes on the heels of the fatal shooting of another soldier. Lance Corporal Zikamee Kamai died on Tuesday in an operation against terrorist group, Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama in Nkonga, Cabo Delgado. Kamai's remains arrived in the country yesterday.
