Another South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier has succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The soldier was injured following a battle with the M23 rebels in Goma, DRC, a week ago. This brings the total number of SANDF soldiers who were killed in DRC to 14.

NAMES OF FALLEN SOLDIER KILLED IN DRC RELEASED 

In a statement issued by the SANDF yesterday, the names of the deceased soldiers were revealed as Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola, Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe, Corporal Matome Justice Malesa, Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo, Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi, Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe, and Private Peter Jacobus Strydom. Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga has sent her condolences to the families of the deceased.

COURAGEOUS 

SANDF said the soldiers were part of the contingent deployed to the region as part of both the Southern African Development Community Mission and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC. "They displayed extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 rebels who had attacked their base in Sake,' SANDF said in a statement. SANDF also said in a statement that Motshekga, accompanied by the SANDF chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, visited the troops deployed as part of the SADC mission in the DRC to assess on-ground operations and boost troop morale on 22 January. During her visit, the minister told the wounded soldiers that their sacrifice and dedication are valued by the country. Motshekga and Maphwanya also visited a military health facility where the injured soldiers were receiving treatment. "We are committed to ensuring you receive the best medical care and support," she said. 

SITUATION STILL VOLATILE

SANDF added that the security situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, with escalating tensions between the DRC government and alleged Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. "The SANDF's deployment, consisting of over 2,000 troops, plays a crucial role in combating illegal armed groups in eastern DRC, supporting efforts to stabilise the region. However, the mission has faced significant challenges, including a recent offensive attack by rebel forces that resulted in the tragic loss of 14 South African soldiers. Several other troops were wounded during the clashes,' the statement said.