Connect with us

411

SANDF Yet to Confirm Date for Repatriation of Fallen Soldiers in DRC

Published

on

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has stated that it is unclear when the repatriation of the 14 soldiers who tragically lost their lives in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), will take place.

Over the weekend, the SANDF released the names of the soldiers who died in the DRC during their peacekeeping mission last week.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced on Friday that it would dispatch a team to North Kivu in the DRC to facilitate the repatriation of deceased and injured SANDF members, alongside troops from Malawi and Tanzania.

South African forces have been stationed in eastern DRC since December 2023, as part of a peacekeeping mission.

Also Read:

 

 

The fallen soldiers include Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola, Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe, Corporal Matome Justice Malesa, Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo, Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi, Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe, and Private Peter Jacobus Strydom.

The SANDF paid tribute to these soldiers over the weekend, acknowledging their bravery in the face of danger. General Rudzani Maphwanya praised the soldiers for their commitment to restoring stability and protecting lives in the volatile region of the DRC.

“These brave men and women were on a mission to restore stability and protect lives in the eastern DRC,” Maphwanya said. “They displayed extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 rebels who attacked their base.”

South Africa’s Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, as well as to the entire defence community.

The operation in the DRC has faced growing criticism, with many security experts and political opposition calling for Minister Motshekga to step down.

At the SADC extraordinary summit in Harare, President Cyril Ramaphosa led the South African delegation in calling for the immediate deployment of defence ministers, chiefs of defence, and troop-contributing countries to ensure the safety of peacekeeping troops in the DRC.

The summit also called for the urgent repatriation of the deceased and injured soldiers.

Security commentator Professor Hussein Solomon, from the Free State University, criticized the mission, saying the troops were ill-prepared and lacked sufficient resources.

“Our troops did not have enough food, and the camp was in poor condition. There was a lack of logistical support and supplies. They were unprepared for the mission they were sent to,” Solomon stated. “I believe President Ramaphosa and Minister Motshekga have a lot to answer for.”

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com