9 November 2007
The Department of Defence would like to announce the following on the
shooting incident that took place at the South African Air Force College on
Thursday, 8 November 2007, where a senior officer was shot dead and a second
was critically injured.
The late Lieutenant Colonel Authen Dominic Stevens (40) was at the time of
the tragedy appointed as the Training Co-ordinator at the South African Air
Force College in Thaba Tshwane.
He is survived by his wife, Josslyn Stevens (40) and his two children, his
daughter Loren (12) and his son Tristan (9). A memorial service will be held on
Tuesday, 13 November 2007, at Thaba Tshwane Town Hall starting at 12h00.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Lieutenant Colonel Lesgaak Karan (43) is appointed as the Senior Directing
Staff (SDS) at the Officers Development Wing responsible for the preparation
and development of officers in the South African Air Force. He underwent an
operation at one Military Hospital last night and his condition is critical but
stable.
Social Workers and the Chaplains have been sent to the unit since the
tragedy occurred to assist counsel members affected by the tragedy. Serious
cases have been referred to Military Psychologists at one Military Hospital for
further counselling.
The Minister of Defence, Mosiuoa Lekota, on behalf of the Department of
Defence, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General
Godfrey Ngwenya, Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Carlo
Gagiano and the Officer Commanding South African Air College, Colonel Lembede
have extended their sincerest sympathies and condolences to the families of the
deceased and injured.
Inquiries:
Kwena Mangope
Brigadier General
Tel: 012 355 6302
Cell: 072 538 6888
Issued by: Department of Defence
10 November 2007
Source: Department of Defence (http://www.dod.mil.za)
