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Mortar explosion at Mpumalanga military site kills one, injures another
The two men in their forties were allegedly tampering with an old piece of artillery late on Sunday afternoon.
An example of an old mortar for illustrative purposes. Picture: Supplied
One man has been killed and another injured when a mortar went off at an old military site near Middleburg.
Emergency first responders arrived at the scene shortly before 4 pm on 25 August, transporting the injured individual to hospital.
Mhluzi police are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but early investigations suggest the men were tampering with an old piece of artillery.
Allegedly searching for copper
An inquest docket has been opened but police expect their investigations to reveal what the men were doing at the old military site.
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The names of the two involved have not been released, but police confirmed the deceased was a 40-year-old man, while his injured accomplice is a 44-year-old male.
“According to a report, the two individuals seem to have been trying to get copper from what is believed to be a mortar round,” confirmed Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli.
“Circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are also being investigated,” Mdhuli added.
Caution against handling suspicious objects
Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi warned the public about tampering or dismantling potentially dangerous objects.
“Safety remains our highest priority as we conduct our investigation,” said Mkhwanazi.
He urged the public to report any suspicious objects to authorities.
Wardens injured at military base
In an unrelated incident last month, 23 trainee traffic wardens were injured when a woman struck them with her vehicle at Dunnottar Military Base.
ALSO READ: More than 20 trainee traffic wardens injured after vehicle ploughs into them
The South African National Defence Force said the Gauteng traffic warden trainees were injured during a training drill on 19 July.
After being treated for minor injuries, 14 trainees were discharged, while nine with serious injuries remained in hospital for treatment.
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