Central SA
Bodies of fallen soldiers in DRC to return to South Africa─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 11:50 Wed, 05 Feb 2025
The remains of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died during operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are set to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday (5/2).
The remains of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died during operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are set to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday (5/2).
SANDF Ch. Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya confirmed this during his appearance before the Standing Committee on Defence on Tuesday.
The families of the deceased have expressed frustration over delays in repatriation and poor communication from officials.
“I’m frustrated that my son is still in Goma. He’s dead, and we don’t know when he’s coming back or what exactly happened to him. That’s what bothers me most,” priv. Peter Jacobus Strydom’s father Pieter Strydom told the SABC.
The deployment of SANDF troops to the DRC has drawn criticism over resources, training, and mission objectives. At a media briefing on Monday, EFF leader Julius Malema called the mission “reckless and unjustifiable”, and demanded the immediate withdrawal of SA troops.
“Our soldiers should not be in a conflict that does not serve regional peace. If Rwanda deliberately targeted our forces, Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa must act decisively,” said Malema, accusing Rwandan Pres. Paul Kagame of having “blood on his hands”.
Addressing the criticism, Maphwanya insisted that SANDF members are well-trained and equipped for the mission. “Before deployment, soldiers undergo combat readiness training at Lohatla, followed by mission-specific training.”
He dismissed claims poor training led to the deaths, saying most casualties resulted from indirect fire rather than close combat. “To counter this, we’ve improved intelligence gathering and increased bunkers for protection.
“We continuously adapt to battlefield conditions to ensure our soldiers’ safety.”
Fallen soldiers
The 14 soldiers who died in recent operations are:
- S. Sgt William Eddie Cola
- S. Sgt Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
- S. Sgt Shwahlane Theophilius Seepe
- Cpl Matome Justice Malesa
- Cpl Rinae Nemavhulani
- L/Bdr Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
- L/Cpl Tseke Moffat Molapo
- L/Cpl Metse Stansly Raswiswi
- Rfn Sebatane Richard Chokoe
- Rfn Derrick Maluleke
- Rfn Tshidiso Andries Mabele
- Rfn Calvin Louis Moagi
- Rfn Mokeke Joseph Mobe
- Priv. Peter Jacobus Strydom
Several other SANDF members sustained injuries during the mission.
