L/Corp. Pieter Strydom’s memorial service was held on Thursday (20/2) in the Diskobolos Military Base Hall, where family, friends, and military colleagues gathered to pay their respects to the fallen soldier.

Director of Army System Management Brig Genl Ansley Steenkamp spoke emotionally at the service, acknowledging the heavy toll the loss had taken on the SANDF. Despite the army’s rigorous training to fight and protect, the grief of losing comrades “in such a devastating way was still deeply felt”, he said.

Bereaved family members, friends and colleagues of L/Corp., Pieter Strydom, at the Diskobolos Military Base Hall for his memorial service. Photo: SABC

“It has been very tough for the army, even though we are trained to fight and protect others. We also make that ultimate sacrifice in laying down our lives for the innocent, and that is what happened in the DRC.

“We were there to protect those defenseless. We are in mourning at the moment with the loss of 14 lives, one life lost is one life too many. Psychologists were provided to our members and families of the deceased, and those services will continue even after funeral services to render support to those traumatised,” he added.

Strydom’s widow, Jessica Strydom, previously recounted her final conversation on WhatsApp with her husband. She recalled a message from her husband sent on January 21, days before his death, in which he expressed his fears.

“He told me there was fighting in the DRC, and that he was scared he might never see me or our children again,” said Jessica.

A memorial service was held at the Tempe Base in Bloemfontein on Thursday for three Free State soldiers who also lost their lives in the DRC. S. Sgt. Ishmael Molahlehi, Rfm Tshidiso Mabele, and Rfm Joseph Mobe were killed during fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese military in January.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg