Prioritise safety of SANDF members deployed in DRC, says military union

JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Union is calling on South African National Defence Force (SANDF) leadership to prioritise the safety of soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the death of two members.

The officers who were deployed on a peace mission in the country were killed on Wednesday, while three others were injured after a mortar bomb hit one of the base camps.

The conflict between M23 rebels and the South African Development Community mission flared up in the DRC over the last week, leading to an intensive exchange of gunfire in the area.

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The union's Pikkie Greeff said the attack showed the need for resources to ensure the safety of the soldiers.

“There can be no doubt about the training of our soldiers; it is of a very high rating, and troop preparedness and readiness are also very high. Some experts have expressed concern that this deployment needs more support in terms of cover, such as firepower from the air for our deployed members."