By CHIMPREPORTS
At least two South African soldiers have lost their lives in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) while engaged in combat against M23 rebels.
In a statement released on Thursday, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed the casualties, stating, “The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirms that on 14 February 2024 at about 1330 hours, a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African Contingent military bases inflicting casualties and injuries to the SAND soldiers. As a result of this indirect fire, the SANDF suffered two (2) fatalities and three (3) members sustained injuries.”
The South African Contingent is a part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIRC), deployed to support and assist the government of DRC in its efforts to bring peace, security, and stability to the region. This marks the first instance of South African soldiers being killed in DRC since their deployment began on December 15, 2023.
The tragic incident underscores an escalation in the conflict, coinciding with intense fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces near the strategic towns of Sake and Goma. It follows South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent commitment to contribute 2,900 soldiers under SADC to combat the M23 rebels who have captured significant territories in North Kivu.
Collaborating with military units from Tanzania and Malawi under the SADC joint force, South African forces have been reinforcing the Congolese army’s defenses to prevent M23 rebels from capturing key towns in eastern DRC, especially Sake and Goma, the capital of North Kivu.
The injured soldiers have been transported to the nearest hospital in Goma for medical attention, and SANDF has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the details of the incident.
In a show of solidarity, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms. Thandi Modise, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr. Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr. Thobekile Gamede, and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, expressed their “heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and wish the injured members a speedy recovery.”
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