Major TJ Malia, 37, and pilots Captain MA Wembie, 28, and Captain FP Hugo, 27, were killed in the accident on Tuesday, Brig-Gen Xolani Mabanga said in a statement.
The military plane crashed in Blystaanhoogte, near Lydenburg, after taking off from the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria.
Sergeant CB Mabusela, 36, and Corporal GD Ramasilo, 47, were injured.
All five were members of 41 Squadron.
“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Chief of the SANDF, General Solly Shoke and the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Zimpande Msimang would like to convey their sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. They further wish the injured members a speedy recovery.”
Mabanga could not immediately be reached for further details.
According to the SAAF website, Squadron 41 is tasked with providing “professional, combat-ready light air transport capabilities to the RSA and all stake holders”.
This included routine air transport and support, air logistic support, battlefield air support and emergency services in all weather, day or night. - Sapa
South African National Defence Force denies arrest of journalists near plane crash site
Johannesburg - Authorities on Tuesday denied reports that two journalists were arrested at the scene of a military plane crash near Lydenburg, Mpumalanga.
SA National Defence Force (SANDF) spokesperson Xolani Mabanga said he was not in a position to comment because he was not aware of the arrests.
"I am not aware of any journalist trying to access the scene of the accident."
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala said he did not know anything about the arrests.
"When were they arrested, by who? I don't know anything about it," he said.
SABC news reported on Tuesday that the SANDF had detained two journalists at the scene of the plane crash.
According to the report, the media was denied permission to film the wreckage.
Three people died and two were injured when a military plane crashed in Blystaanhoogte.
The aircraft, which took off from Waterkloof, Pretoria, had five people on board, including two pilots.
Both pilots and one of the passengers were killed.
The injured were airlifted to Nelspruit Medi-Clinic.
The SANDF said the aircraft was stationed at a training camp in the Lydenburg area.
Source: http://www.news24.com
Cessna 208 Caravan I, South African Air Force (SAAF): Accident occurred June 17, 2014 near Lydenburg - South Africa
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