... Private Kovco. The first Australian military death in Iraq has been shrouded in confusion and, lately, with anger. Private Kovco was killed by a bullet to his temple. The circumstances regarding discharge of the weapon are unknown. Whether he was the only person in the room at the time, or whether there were in fact two other soldiers with him at the time (as first reported) is unknown. Did the gun discharge because a laptop fell on it? As he was cleaning it? Because it was faulty? And why are details being released as "truth" when they seem to be far from it - especially as there are now several different stories - mostly released by the Defence Minister - doing the rounds.
There can be no doubt that this is a sad time for Private Kovco's family and friends. The suggestion that he could have mishandled his weapon, leading to his death, is unthinkable to his family. The fact that he might have been murdered - not in combat - had not been suggested until this morning when the paper suggested his body would be examined by the homicide squad and forensic investigators when it arrives in Sydney, en route to Melbourne, today.
The circumstances of Private Kovco's death have seemed odd from the start. As my Dad pointed out, even if he had been killed in combat, this was news that was unlikely to be released ... imagine the public outcry if one of our own was killed by enemy fire. No - better to provide different and confusing reports - that way no-one knows what's going on - and don't worry that the inference of suicide can be drawn from the reports. I guess time, and an autopsy will tell - but how much physical evidence is likely to be left given Private Kovco's body has been handled/washed by mortuary personnel preparatory to transport/burial?
Will the truth out?
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