More wounded soldiers set to return to South Africa from DRC

JOHANNESBURG - More wounded soldiers are set to return to the country this week from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This was after an undisclosed number of soldiers arrived in the country on Tuesday morning and were immediately taken to the one military hospital in Pretoria for urgent medical attention.

Hundreds of SANDF troops have been fighting alongside Malawian and Tanzanian soldiers in the Eastern DRC as part of a UN delegation.

At least three injured soldiers who arrived back on home soil this morning required urgent medical attention.

"We know of at least three seriously injured members who need urgent medical intervention and possibly aftercare. It's a matter of saving limbs and possibly lives," said SA National Defence Union National Secretary, Pikkie Greef.

READ: Critically injured SANDF soldiers successfully repatriated from DRC

The SANDF has not revealed the number of soldiers who arrived in the country but says more wounded soldiers are expected to be repatriated this week.

"The remainder are scheduled to arrive in South Africa during the week. The SANDF, in coordination with other relevant role players, has worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of our wounded members," said SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini.

SANDF troops were injured in clashes with M23 rebels as a war in Goma, eastern DRC, intensified recently.