L/Bdr. Itumeleng Moreo (37), is among the 14 SANDF members who lost their lives last month when they were caught in a crossfire between M23 rebels and DRC army forces.

Moreo's remains were recently repatriated to South Africa, with President Cyril Ramaphosa receiving them during a solemn ceremony at Swartkop Air Force Base.

In honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Moreo, a full military funeral has been organised. The ceremony commenced with military personnel welcoming him with the highest respect, ensuring his coffin was saluted by his comrades as it entered the hall.

"This is a full military funeral where Moreo is going to be welcomed by his colleagues in the way that we do best, saluting him into the hall of the funeral until his body is put in the hall," said Maj. Gen. Z. Maso.

After the funeral service, a military procession will accompany Moreo’s body to the cemetery, where he will be laid to rest in full military honours. This dignified display reflects the profound respect and honour the SANDF holds for their fallen members.

North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi visited Moreo’s grieving family earlier this week to offer his condolences. Mokgosi conveyed the nation's collective mourning, emphasising "the whole nation is mourning the death of Moreo."

Mokete Mobe, who was also killed in the same tragic incident in the DRC, is being laid to rest today in his hometown Botshabelo. The funeral service for Mobe had began at 08:00 at Botshabelo Stadium, where family, friends, and comrades are gathered to honour his life and sacrifice.

The funeral of Mokete Mobe at Botshabelo stadium. Photo: Geepsynia Lion

Lt. Col. Lisa Sipriano explained in the first part of the service, the family will take over the funeral proceedings, and the military will only take over when the family is done. The military procession to the cemetery will be handled by the SANDF. Mobe will also receive a full military honors service, with the presence of Free State Premier and the Chief of the SANDF Army.

The SANDF is committed to ensuring the families of the fallen soldiers are supported throughout this difficult time. Acting Chief Chaplain of the SANDF, Othusitse Tau, expressed the army’s approach is to demonstrate that the fallen members, like Mobe and Moreo, "served the nation with a pure heart and complete commitment."

Rifleman Tshidiso Mabele (31) is also being laid to rest in Paul Roux. 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg