SANDF confirms the remains of 14 soldiers killed in DRC back in SA
A memorial service is set to be held at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Johannesburg later on Thursday.
Parliament paid tribute to the 14 SANDF soldiers who died in the DRC ahead of a debate on the matter on 10 February 2025. Picture: @ParliamentofRSA/X
CAPE TOWN - The families of 14 South African soldiers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), will receive their remains on Thursday.
The soldiers were caught in the crossfire during conflict between DRC army forces and M23 rebels, two weeks ago.
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A memorial service is set to be held at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Johannesburg later on Thursday.
The 14 SANDF soldiers killed in the DRC. Picture: EWN
The SANDF's rear admiral, Prince Tshabalala: "Early this morning, the mortal remains of our heroes were flown from Uganda. They've landed in South Africa. They are now being prepared for the ceremony that will take place at 6pm this evening."
Tshabalala explained what would happen following Thursday evening's ceremony.
"This is the very highest honour that we can do as the military. After that, their coffins will be draped with our national flag to symbolise that these are our national heroes. After that, they will taken ceremonially in their cars and they will then be taken home to the provinces where they come from."