FF Plus, ACDP call for judicial inquiry into deaths of SANDF soldiers in DRC
The National Assembly on Monday debated the matter at the behest of the Democratic Alliance (DA), which also called for Minister Angie Motshekga's head.
Armored vehicles belonging to the South Africa National Defence Forces (SANDF) contingent of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) drive towards deploy along the road leading to the entrance of the town of Sake, 25km north-west of Goma, on 23 January 2025. Picture: Michael Lunanga/AFP
CAPE TOWN - At least two political parties have called for a judicial inquiry into the deaths of SANDF soldiers who were stationed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Freedom Front Plus leader, Pieter Groenewald, said this was necessary to avoid a repeat.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP)'s Steve Swart has backed the call, saying their deaths were damaging to the SANDF's reputation.
The National Assembly on Monday debated the matter at the behest of the Democratic Alliance (DA), which also called for Minister Angie Motshekga's head.
Not since the deaths of 15 soldiers in the Central African Republic in 2013, has the SANDF suffered such a major loss of life during a peacekeeping mission on the continent.
Groenewald said that this could in part be attributed to the recommendations of past defence reviews having been ignored.
"We can participate in peace missions in Africa, but then we must be sure we are equipped and properly prepared to do that."
ActionSA's Athol Trollip agreed, saying the soldiers had been set up for failure and ultimately death.
"Minister Angie Motshekga must resign or be fired by the end of the day. Our troops must return before the end of this month."
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema termed the deployment reckless and the conflict senseless.
But the MK Party's Edward Ntshingila said the troops should continue to play a meaningful role in bringing about a ceasefire in the area.