'Scrap metal' mortar kills man

2003-09-01 17:12

Riot Hlatshwayo

Groblersdal - The police's bomb disposal unit conducted a sweep for explosives at its former training centre at Maleoskop on Monday after a man was blown up when he picked up a mortar on Friday.

Members from the Pretoria unit combed the area, near Groblersdal in Mpumalanga, to ensure there were no more explosives. By Monday afternoon, it was not known if any more explosives had been found.

Provincial police spokesperson Superintendent Izak van Zyl said an inquest docket had been opened in the mean time to investigate the man's death.

The man, who has only been identified as Collen, aged about 39, was collecting scrap metal with a friend when the incident happened.

His friend, Sylvia Skhosana, told police that she asked Collen to get rid of the mortar after he picked it up.

He threw it to the ground, triggering an explosion, which blew his legs off and killed him instantly.

By Monday afternoon, Collen's next of kin had not yet been located to positively identify him.

The police previously used the centre for special training in counter insurgency and tactical combat. It was abandoned at the end of 2001 after a land claim by the Bakopa tribe.

Ceasefire Campaign, a non-governmental organisation, accused police of negligence for abandoning the area without ensuring it was clear of explosives.

Ceasefire director, Chemist Khumalo, said the organisation would see how it could help Collen's family take legal action against the police.

- African Eye