The 12th battalion of motorized infantry (12th BIM), based in the Kpokolota district, Bertoua, is bereaved. This elite of the defence forces corps lost three of its elements, who drowned in the early hours of Thursday, December 11.

The unfortunate include Corporal Bassong, aged 27, and two soldiers of 2nd class, Boyomo 22 years, Naz Emmanuel, 22 years.

Fire fighting elements in Bertoua recovered their bodies from the Lake in the area known as quartier Radio, a stone's throw from the Camp-sic.

According to witnesses, first aid was delivered by young people in the neighborhood and among the four victims, a single soldier was saved, thanks to the energetic intervention of firefighters and the young people in the neighborhood.

These 12th BIM soldiers were deployed at this lake for military exercises. According to Police sources, they swam with their military equipment, with the exception of their weapons.

Village sources also reported that the waters of the Lake of the district are dirty and very muddy. The depth of the said Lake is not clear to the owners who warned the military, before their manoeuvres. And beneath the muddy waters, there are objects and bushes of all kinds. This environment was fatal to the three young soldiers who chose to perform their manoeuvers at this precise point.

Their bodies were transported and deposited in the mortuary of the regional hospital of Bertoua.