Some of the 14 SANDF soldiers killed in DRC to be laid to rest this weekend
Seven of the soldiers are being laid to rest in various parts of the country this weekend.
The remains of the 14 SANDF soldiers who were killed in the DRC arrived at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Pretoria where they were handed over to their families during a military ceremony on 13 February 2025. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Families are on Saturday bidding farewell to the brave SANDF soldiers who lost their lives during a peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Before the fall of Goma, 14 SANDF soldiers were killed in clashes between the DRC armed forces and the M23 rebels.
The remains of the soldiers who died in January were brought home and handed over to their families at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Centurion last week after a long repatriation process.
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While officials said it was not a direct attack on the SANDF troops deployed on a peacekeeping mission in the region, there were still some unanswered questions about the exact circumstances during that fateful week in January.
Some analysts believe the SANDF soldiers were ill-equipped for the work they were expected to do, claiming that the contingent in the eastern DRC did not have enough ammunition or the basic supplies.
Seven of the soldiers are being laid to rest in various parts of the country this weekend.
Derrick Maluleke was laid to rest last weekend and on Saturday another five soldiers' funerals are underway in Limpopo, the Free State and the North West.
The funeral services for another two soldiers are expected to be held on Sunday.