The six personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who died at the Lohatla Military Combat Training Centre in the Northern Cape on Friday when a wildfire tore through the training facility have been identified.

Three members sustained second-degree burns while others sustained minor injuries. 

The names of those who died are Staff Sergeant Abraham Desember Morajane, Staff Sergeant Sipho Berrington Cele, Corporal

Sithembiso Wiseman Ndwalane, Corporal Noxolo Faith Ngubane, Lance Corporal Prince Michael Mthethwa and Lance Corporal Londiwe Purity Zulu.

Spokesperson Major General R.E. Mercuur says the departed soldiers will be fondly remembered for their fearlessness, sacrifice, and defiant spirit throughout their military careers. 

The incident happened as preparations were underway for the Vukuhlome-exercise, with equipment for this exercise alos gutted. 

SANDF says it is still investigating the extend of the damage and how it happened that the veldfire caught them off guard.