S. Sgt Molahlehi Molahlehi (53) was killed when he and his fellow soldiers found themselves caught in a crossfire between M23 rebels and DRC army forces.

The death of Molahlehi, a member of the elite 44 Parachute Regiment, marks another heart-wrenching moment for the country. 

Col. Henry Gordon from the 44 Parachute Regiment expressed deep sorrow for the family and the regiment, highlighting the profound loss felt by the entire SANDF and the nation.

"A very somber moment for the family, but not only for the family, also for 44 parachute regiment, the SANDF, and the country as we are laying to rest today the 3rd member of the 44 regiment parachute who has made an ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty deployed in the DRC," Gordon said.

This funeral is one of several services that have taken place recently, as two other soldiers from the Free State, Rfn Mokete Joseph Mobe and Rfn Tshediso Andries Mabele, were also laid to rest. Mobe who had served with dedication was mourned yesterday in a ceremony attended by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Mohai, and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula. 

Letsoha-Mathae emphasised the selflessness of Mobe's service, stating that he "lived a life of service to the people" and was "a hero who served with humility and laid his life down with bravery."

At the funeral of Rfn Tshediso Andries Mabele (31) held in Paul Roux MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, who, alongside Mxolisi Dukwana, Speaker of the Free State Legislature, acknowledged the tremendous risks soldiers face when deployed abroad.

"His death is a stark reminder of the incredible risks taken by our soldiers on foreign soil, far from the comfort of their families and loved ones, to stand as guardians of peace." 

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg