SANDF releases names of pilots killed in crash

The light aircraft crashed and burst into flames while approaching the runway on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 71-year-old Major General (retired) Desmond Barker and 69-year-old Colonel (retired) Rama Lyer.

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Barker is survived by his wife and two sons and Iyer by his wife, son and daughter.

"The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla, the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke and the Acting Chief of the South African Air Force, Major General Mzayifani Innocent Buthelezi have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased pilots,” the SANDF said in a statement. 

"May the departed souls rest in peace.”