Among the fallen are S. Sgt. Ishmael Molahlehi and L/Corp. Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo from Central South Africa, whose families have been left with both sorrow and relief now that their remains have returned home.

Molahlehi’s daughter Thato, from Thaba Nchu, shared the pain she felt when she learned of her father’s passing. “They called me telling me that my father had died in the DRC, then I cried because it hurt me too much.

“He always told me: ‘Thato, please, just be yourself. Just be who you are, stand up for yourself. Tomorrow I am going to die.’”

‘He couldn’t wait to come home’

She said her father had always emphasised the importance of standing up for oneself and working hard for a brighter future, often acknowledging the danger inherent to his line of duty. Before his death, he told his children to be strong and support one another.

Her last conversation with her father was on 1 January, when he expressed how much he missed his family. “He asked me to protect the younger daughter and told me he couldn’t wait to come home to enjoy time with us,” Thato added.

Meanwhile, the family of L/Corp. Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo (36) are preparing for his burial in Mahikeng on Saturday (22/2). His uncle, Jerry Moreo, said the family is devastated over his untimely death but have a sense of closure now that his remains have returned home. “It’s still painful, but at least we can bury him with dignity and start to heal,” he said.

Itumeleng was the primary breadwinner in his family and was known for his jovial, humble, and loving nature. “He took care of his two younger brothers and was always there for his family.

“We discovered that three people sent him WhatsApp messages, but he never got a chance to reply.”

His family had grown increasingly concerned as the situation in the DRC worsened, and eventually, Itumeleng’s phone was switched off, confirming their worst fears.

Jerry said before his death, Itumeleng sent a video message to his wife, telling her that he would always love them and explaining that the situation in the DRC was becoming dire. 

In the background, the sounds of conflict could be heard, illustrating the grave circumstances in which he and his fellow soldiers were serving.

Moreo and Molahlehi were among the 14 SA soldiers who lost their lives while deployed in the DRC.

The government paid tribute to the fallen troops during a memorial service held at Swartkop Air Force Base in Centurion. At the service, the remains of the soldiers were formally handed over to their families.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg