The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has officially confirmed the identities of 14 soldiers who tragically lost their lives while on duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Arrangements are currently underway to repatriate their remains back to their respective home countries.
Honouring the Fallen Soldiers
During his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, emphasizing their sacrifice for peace on the African continent. He declared that the national flag would fly at half-mast in their honour.
“They lost their lives, not in the pursuit of resources or power. They lost their lives so that guns on our continent may be forever silenced. We salute them.”
Identities of the Fallen Soldiers
The SANDF released the names of the 14 soldiers who were killed while engaging the M23 rebels in the DRC between January 23 and 27. The fallen heroes are:
- Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
- Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
- Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
- Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
- Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
- Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
- Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
- Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
- Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
- Private Peter Jacobus Strydom
- Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
- Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
- Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
- Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
Repatriation Efforts Underway
Siphiwe Dlamini, spokesperson for the SANDF, provided updates on the repatriation process. Due to initial delays in moving the remains from the DRC to the United Nations Logistics Base in Entebbe, Uganda.
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“The movement is being facilitated by the United Nations. The remains are expected to arrive in Entebbe by Sunday afternoon, East African Time (EAT). Preparations will then be made for air transportation to South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania.”