32Bn Alpha Company's third platoon was waiting to be joined at a temporary base between Dova and Nehone by the first platoon, and when guards saw a group of men in uniform approaching, they assumed the platoon had arrived. Even when the newcomers opened fire, those in the base thought it was a mistake, and instead of returning fire took to the bush to prevent friendly fire casualties.
But the intruders were a group of 50 SWAPO, and because the platoon members had taken only their personal weapons with them, an effective counter-attack was impossible. Sergeant GH du Randt and Rifleman E Cassera were killed, and Second Lieutenant GW Roos, Corporal PG Grobler and two troops wounded. SWAPO looted all the equipment in the base, including 26 bigpacks and groundsheets, 25 sleeping bags, 144 water bottles, an A72 radio and the B22 VHF radio, the only means of making contact with company or tactical headquarters. Lieutenant Gert Kruger's platoon was despatched from Ionde to rescue the plundered patrol. – Operation Dolfyn
