Hawks still probing deaths of 3 officers who died at Simon's Town naval base: Cachalia

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said the Hawks are still investigating a case of culpable homicide for the deaths of three naval officers who died at the Simon's Town naval base more than two years ago.

Cachalia's comments follow reports from a classified report into the 2023 incident, which suggested that both the South African Navy and the captain on duty were guilty of possible negligence.

Three sailors died, and a senior officer was seriously injured when they were washed off the deck of the submarine, SAS Manthatisi.

The husband of one of the naval officers who died said in October that he recently obtained a classified report into the incident that suggests that both the SA Navy and the captain on duty were guilty of possible negligence.

This week, Cachalia was asked a written parliamentary question about the matter and whether the investigation has identified any specific individuals or potential suspects related to the allegations of negligence and breach of protocol.

He was also asked about the official date when the Directoratefor Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) formally initiated its criminal investigation into the culpable homicide.

But Cachalia told Parliament that the Hawks received the case in 2024 for investigation, and the investigation is not yet finalised.

According to Cachalia, the investigating officers received a board of enquiry report from the Navy "which forms part of the evidential material and is currently being studied".

He said there are no specific individuals identified at this stage as persons of interest or potential suspects.