Family of SA soldier who died in DRC hope that receiving his remains brings closure

JOHANNESBURG - The grieving family of one of the soldiers who died during the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) said they hope that receiving his remains will bring them closure. 

Itumeleng Moreo is among 14 South African soldiers who died in January while deployed on a peacekeeping mission.

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The conflict between the DRC army and M23 rebels has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.

The Moreo family is among those who are expected to attend the handover and memorial service of the fallen troops on Thursday evening.

The remains of 14 South African troops are set to be handed over to their loved ones on Thursday during a memorial service at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Centurion.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, commander-in-chief of the army, is expected to attend, alongside Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga and other South African National Defence Force (SANDF) top brass.

The families of the troops from Limpopo, Free State, North West, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape have also been brought in for the sombre occasion.

Moreo died shortly after celebrating his birthday.

His uncle, Obakeng, said the family was still reeling from the loss.

"This was a very painful waiting moment for us. We’re really grateful for the government bringing our sons home."

Amid calls for the South African soldiers to be withdrawn from the volatile eastern DRC, South African officials have defended their decision for the SANDF to remain deployed, with claims more troops have been sent to the region for reinforcement.