2 more SANDF members die under questionable circumstances in the DRC
It's understood that one solider was shot and killed by a fellow SANDF member, who then turned his service weapon on himself. An inquiry has been set up to probe the attack.
Picture: Rajesh JANTILAL / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that two more South African soldiers have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
It's understood that one solider was shot and killed by a fellow SANDF member on Thursday, who then turned his service weapon on himself.
“All members of the families have been informed of the unfortunate incident and the members’ remains will be repatriated in South African in due course,” said SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini.
He added that Defence Minister Thandi Modise and her ministry’s top brass have conveyed their condolences to the families.
The circumstances that led to the attack are yet to be established.
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Both soldiers were deployed to the DRC as part of a group sent to boost a peace mission as the country fights rebel groups.
The SANDF has set up a board of inquiry to work with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC to probe the attack.
Earlier this month, two SANDF members were killed, and three others wounded in a mortar strike in the eastern city of Goma.