ADVERTISEMENT

Nigerian tank accidentally kills SA terrorist fighter in Borno

Leon Lotz, a former South African Special Forces operator, turned private security contractor, died on March 9 in Borno State.

A South African expert who was participating in the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria has died in the line of duty, reports say.

Leon Lotz, a former South African Special Forces operator, turned private security contractor, died on March 9 in Borno State, Daily Maverick reports.

Lotz, who is from KwaZulu-Natal, was killed when a Nigerian tank accidentally opened fire on his convoy.

Confirming his death, Lotz's niece, Vanes-Mari du Toit, posted on Facebook:

ADVERTISEMENT

“What an absolute honour knowing you. You fought for what was right, always had the best advice. Today I say goodbye to a legend of an uncle, who passed away in battle fighting in Nigeria against the Boko Haram group. He was a warrior, leader, uncle, father, brother and husband of note. Rus sag Oom Leon Lotz (Rest softly, Uncle).”

Lotz, an employee of a private security company called Pilgrim Africa, was reportedly involved in the support and maintenance of vehicles used by the Nigerian Army in the fight against the Boko Haram.

South Africa has however said none of its citizens is permitted to participate in mercenary activity as it is illegal under the country’s laws.

“The police have a responsibility to ensure that, when they come back, those people are arrested and the [National Prosecutions Authority] has a responsibility to charge them. There are consequences for going out of the country and provide [sic] any form of military assistance as a mercenary, not as part of the deployment by government,” South African Defence Minister,"  Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said in response to reports of South Africans in Nigeria.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT