INTERNASIONAAL. – ‘n Oryx-helikopter van die SANW het in die Demokratiese Republiek die Kongo onder skoot gekom.
Siphiwe Dlamini sê die Oryx-helikopter was besig om ongevalle te ontruim en was van Rwindi na Goma in die ooste onderweg toe dit onder vuur kom.
Die vlieënier wat ook die bevelvoerder van die eskader is, is in sy vinger getref, terwyl die operasionele mediese beampte in die bors gewond is, maar in ‘n stabiele toestand verkeer.
Geen ander bemanningslede is beseer nie en die helikopter kon veilig land.
Die DA-LP Kobus Marais, skaduminister vir verdediging en militêre veterane het op sy beurt verantwoordelikheid vir die aanval geeïs. Volgens ‘n verklaring hier onder aangeheg is die Oryx-helikopter minstens 40 keer getref en die hidrouliese stelsel het skade opgedoen.
Die vlieënier, ondanks beserings, het daarin geslaag om die beskadigde helikopter by ‘n vlak 3-hospitaal te land en moes ‘n noodoperasie ondergaan.
Marais bevraagteken die veiligheid en vermoëns van die Suid-Afrikaanse weermag en sê twee Rooivalk-helikopters moes die Oryx-helikopter tydens sy mediese ontruimingsmissie (medivac) vergesel om ondersteuning vir veiligheid te bied.
Marais sê die DA eis ‘n ondersoek na die insident en eis verantwoordbaarheid van die minister van verdediging en ook die bevelvoerder. Verder word die onttrekking van troepe uit die DRK geeïs indien die nodige hulpmiddele nie gewaarborg kan word nie.
DA demands accountability as Oryx helicopter ambushed in the DRC
Issued by Kobus Marais MP – DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
02 Feb 2024 in News
Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Kobus Marais MP.
This morning, our only mission-deployable Oryx in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) came under heavy fire, resulting in severe damage to the aircraft. The Oryx sustained at least 40 bullet holes, with its hydraulic system significantly compromised. The pilot and one crew member were injured, and the pilot was taken to the theatre for urgent medical intervention.
This unfortunate incident raises serious concerns about the safety and capability of our defense forces. The DA firmly believes that this tragic event might have been averted if the ANC had not played a role in diminishing the capabilities of the South African Air Force (SAAF). Specifically, the lack of at least two Rooivalk helicopters to escort the Oryx, especially in medivac cases, to defend against potential threats.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) and the Commander-in-Chief (CIC) must shoulder the responsibility for the inadequate support provided to our troops, putting their lives at unnecessary risk. The brave soldiers on this mission, through their heroic actions and quick decision-making, managed to land the damaged helicopter at the nearest level 3 hospital to ensure emergency medical treatment for the injured crew.
The DA calls for a thorough investigation into this incident and demands accountability from the MoD and the CIC. Our soldiers deserve the best equipment, support, and protection, and we will not tolerate any compromises that jeopardise their safety and the success of their missions.
The DA demands that our troops be withdrawn if the minimum required support of resources, including strategic equipment such as our Oryx and Rooivalk helicopters, and the necessary logistical support cannot be guaranteed.
Our thoughts are with the injured pilot and crew member, and we wish them a speedy recovery. The DA remains committed to advocating for the security and well-being of our armed forces and will continue to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
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