DA calls for inquiry into Cessna crash

18 June 2014

The Democratic Alliance extends our condolences to the families and friends of the air force crew and passengers who died and were injured in yesterday's Cessna Caravan C208 crash (see here).

Reports suggest that the crash occurred during a training flight over Blystaanhoogte, Mpumalanga; killing two crew members and a passenger, and injuring two air force ground staff.

This is the third crash of this kind in as many years. In 2012 a South African Air Force C-47 Dakota crashed in the Drakensberg and in 2013 an Agusta 109 light utility helicopter crashed in the Kruger National Park.

We call on the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to launch a full Board of Inquiry into this crash and what appears to be a worrisome trend within the air force.

It is imperative that: 

• The Board investigate the Cessna Caravan C208 crash and this troubling trend;
• The Board also investigate reports that journalists on the scene were unlawfully detained;
• The findings of the investigation be made public; and that
• The Joint Standing Committee on Defence be briefed on the findings once the Board of Inquiry has been completed.

It is crucial that this crash be investigated, not only to provide the bereaved families closure, but also prevent tragedies like this in future.

Statement issued by Shahid Esau MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, June 18 2014

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter