The Ministry of Defence regrets to announce the names of the two late members of the South African Air Force who passed on following a helicopter accident (Agusta A109) at the Woodstock Dam in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday 12 May 2009.
They are; Lieutenant Simon Baloyi (27), the pilot of the Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopter and the Flight Engineer, Flight Sergeant Moné Zuidmeer (32).
Flight Sergeant Zuidmeer’s remains were recovered at approximately 08h00, today Saturday 16 May 2009, after local inhabitants spotted his floating remains and alerted the Police.
Lieutenant Baloyi’s remains were recovered at approximately 11h15, today Saturday 16 May 2009, approximately 300 metres from the site of the recovered wreckage, after being spotted by a pilot during an aerial search.
Lieutenant Baloyi, who was from Majaneng in Hammanskraal joined the South African Air Force in 2002 and received his Pilot Wings in 2005. Lieutenant Baloyi is survived by his mother, Mrs Joyce Baloyi, two sisters, Masego and Anna and a brother Lebogang.
Flight Sergeant Zuidmeer, who was from Centurion in Pretoria, joined the South African Air Force in 1997, received his Flight Engineer Wings in 2005, completed his Flight Engineer Course in 2006 and received his Silver Flight Engineer Wings in 2008.
Flight Sergeant Zuidmeer is survived by his mother, Stella, his father Sakkie, who himself is a former helicopter pilot of the South African Air Force and his sister Zonia.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once they have been confirmed by the families.
Enquiries:
Sam Mkhwanazi
Tel: 012 355 6123
Cell: 083 628 0858
