Remains of 14 SANDF soldiers killed in DRC have arrived in Uganda

JOHANNESBURG - The mortal remains of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members have arrived in Entebbe, Uganda, following delays in the repatriation process. 
 
Members of the SANDF were killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) two weeks ago. They were part of a multinational Southern African Development Community (SADC) force deployed to stabilise the region amid ongoing clashes between the DRC military and M23 rebels.
 
The operation, which is being carried out by the United Nations (UN) was set to see the bodies of the SANDF members initially arrive home on Wednesday.
 
But security risks and rising tensions in the DRC and its neighbouring states delayed what should have been a one-day transfer, turning it into a three-day operation.
 
SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini said, “The mortal remains of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Soldiers arrived in Entebbe, Uganda. The standard pathology procedure will proceed. It is anticipated that all necessary procedures will be completed by no later than Tuesday, 11 February 2025. Further updates will be duly communicated.”

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