SA soldier family says haven’t heard from him since some colleagues killed in DRC

CAPE TOWN - A family of a South African soldier said they haven't heard from him since it emerged that some of his colleagues were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  

Caroline Kordom from Saron in the Western Cape has told EWN that her nephew is one of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members deployed to war-torn Goma in the eastern DRC.  

ALSO READ: More details emerge around deaths of 4 SANDF soldiers in Goma

Thirteen South African soldiers who were part of a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force have been killed in combat with M23 rebels since last week.  

Kordom, who last spoke to her nephew on Monday, said the SANDF should withdraw its members to avoid more casualties.  

"We are not hearing anything from them, so we want them to withdraw our soldiers. There was another lady, she was in Goma yesterday [Monday] morning, and she sent a text message that they are surrounded by the M23." 

Meanwhile, the DRC's finance minister said at least half a million people have been displaced since the beginning of 2025.

Therese Kayikwamba Wagner addressed an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, urging the body to act decisively.  

"It is now time for the Security Council to act. Millions have been displaced, with restricted access to food, water, and electricity security. Countless lives have been lost. Enough is enough."

WITHDRAW SOLDIERS TO AVOID MORE CAUSALITIES 

Withdraw South Africa's soldiers and avoid more casualties.

This is a message from the family of one of the SANDF members deployed to the DRC.
 
Kordom said they haven't heard anything from the government about whether their loved ones are safe.
 
She said there are several worried families in Saron over the war.
 
"There are three people in Saron in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and one of them happens to be my nephew."