The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has confirmed the death of a 26-year-old recruit who was undergoing basic military training at Osona Base in Okahandja.

NDF Spokesperson, Colonel Petrus Shilumbu, told Nampa that Johan Pieterse died on December 28 after he collapsed during a physical fitness exercise.

Colonel Shilumbu said Pieterse was subsequently rushed to Okahandja State Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival by the hospital's medical personnel.