MDF spokesperson Paul Chiphwanya has confirmed of the incident, saying the soldiers were training at Chikala Hills in Machinga.

“The soldiers were trying to dispose ammunition that had outlived its lifespan,” said Chiphwanya.

He identified the deceased as Warrant Officer Class 1 Alexander Chauluka.

Chiphwanya said the injured soldiers are receiving treatment at Cobbe Barracks camp hospital in Zomba.

MDF soldiers’ deaths during training sessions outside the battlefield is rare