SANDF soldier dies during active service in Mozambique

SANDF and the Ministry of Defence have passed on their heartfelt condolences to the family of a soldier, after he passed away during active service in Mozambique. The 51-year-old military man will now be repatriated back home to South Africa.

SA soldier dies during Operation VIKELA

Johan Van Rooyen was a senior Sergeant for SANDF, and had been serving as part of Operation VIKELA. The soldier presented himself to hospital when he came down with chest pains and ‘a severe headache’. He was transferred to another facility in Pemba.

However, his condition worsened before the weekend. Van Rooyen officially passed away on Saturday afternoon, and a formal statement was made by the Defence Force earlier today. The funeral arrangements will now be made alongside the family of the fallen soldier.

“SANDF sadly announces the death of Staff Sergeant Johan Andries Van Rooyen at Level 2 hospital in Pemba, Mozambique on 9 July 2022. He was part of Operation VIKELA. Van Rooyen presented at Mihluri base with a severe headache and chest complications.”

“The Sergeant was from 2 Field Engineer Regiment in Kroonstad. His mortal remains will be repatriated to South Africa, where the SANDF and his family will finalise the funeral arrangements.”

SANDF statement

SANDF in Mozambique: Why are they there?

Operation VIKELA was launched to tackle the insurgency in Mozambique, led by radical Islamist militants. Fierce fighting in several provinces prompted SANDF to send some of its troops into the worst-affected regions, in order to support the army across the border.

In December 2021, Corporal Tebogo Radebe died of his injuries following an attack from insurgents near Chai Village, Mozambique during Operation VIKELA. His body was sent back to SA two days before Christmas.

The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || 09 Jul South African National Defence Force announces the death of one of its soldiers deployed in Mozambique.
Media Statement by Department of Defence || Defence Headquarters || Media Liaison.#SANDF#DCCMediaLiaison#RIPSASoldier pic.twitter.com/48NEBTba3J

— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) July 10, 2022