A South African soldier, who was part of a United Nations peacekeeping force in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, died on Monday when a hand grenade exploded close to his sleeping quarters, South Africa's military said.
It was not clear what caused the hand grenade to explode, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said in a statement late on Tuesday, adding that a board of inquiry including UN officials would investigate the incident that happened in Beni.
South African soldiers are in Congo as part of the UN force called MONUSCO and a separate mission deployed by southern African regional bloc SADC to help the government fight rebel groups.
Including the latest death, at least seven South African soldiers have lost their lives in Congo since February.
Two were killed in a mortar attack on an SANDF base in Sake in eastern Congo last month, one was killed in a battle with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in May.
Another died after receiving treatment for unspecified health issues in April and two were killed in a mortar attack in February.
At the time of the February deaths South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hit back at opposition criticism that the troops in Congo were ill-equipped.
The UN force is withdrawing from Congo in stages. A first stage was completed last month, but no timeline has been set yet for the next phase amid an escalation in clashes in the restive east.
Latest Stories
-
‘I’m no longer a politician’ – Asamoah Gyan denounces NPP to focus on humanitarian work
1 hour -
Damaged effigies: Court awaits comprehensive report on accused mental status
1 hour -
Phase 2 of Access Bank’s ‘A Sandal More for a Better Tomorrow’ initiative takes off
2 hours -
Kuntunse murder: Police pray for more time to complete investigations
2 hours -
New president of UN General Assembly calls for unity to tackle borderless issues
2 hours -
Land occupied by Asaase radio not connected to disputed Cantonments property, says Lands Commission
2 hours -
As Harris and Trump debated, a social media battle raged
3 hours -
AngloGold in $2.5bn deal for Centamin, targets ‘Tier 1’ assets
3 hours -
Harris rattles Trump in combative debate
3 hours -
Congressman Joe Wilson collapses at event, rushed to hospital
3 hours -
California passes requirements on carmakers and domestic violence
3 hours -
Takeaways from the Harris-Trump presidential debate
4 hours -
Key quotes from the Harris-Trump debate
4 hours -
Taylor Swift says she will vote for Kamala Harris
4 hours -
Protesters storm Mexico’s Senate after ruling party wins votes for court overhaul
4 hours