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Matt Allan, the hero SANDF pilot recounts tragic day in Congo when Sergeant Vusi Mabena was killed by rebels

Captain Matt Allan, the brave pilot of the SANDF Oryx helicopter that came under fire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier this year, has opened up about the harrowing day that saw the tragic loss of Sergeant Vusumuzi Mabena during a peacekeeping mission in February 2023.

Allan has recalled the incident with the SANDF Communications Unit on the morning of the incident.

He said the morning has been filled with laughter and camaraderie among the crew.

"That Sunday will forever be etched in my memory. While I strive to focus on the happier moments before the flight, the trauma of that day is inescapable.

"We were all deeply affected by the attack, especially as it marked the first time we lost an aircrew member in such a manner since the start of the SA National Defence Force mission,“ he said.