Remains of 14 South African soldiers killed in DRC returned home

The bodies of 14 soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been brought back to South Africa.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers' mortal remains will be officially handed over to their families at a hand over ceremony on Thursday at 6pm at the Air Force Base Swartkop. A memorial service will take place at 7pm at the same venue.

The soldiers were killed during violent clashes in the eastern DRC area of Goma. 

Speaking at the National Assembly debate on the SANDF troops' participation in the DRC last week, Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Angie Motshekga said seven of the soldiers are from Limpopo, three from the Free State and the rest of the men from the North West, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. She added that they will be buried with full military honour.

There were several delays in the repatriation process. At the weekend, the SANDF said the soldiers' bodies were taken from DRC to the United Nations Logistics Base in Entebbe, Uganda. 

On Wednesday, the SANDF

Disrespect to families

Defence analyst, Dean Wingrin, said the soldiers' families have been insulted by the delays. Thursday's delay in the handing over is due to Parliamentary commitments.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Wingrin said President Cyril Ramaphosa's diary is known well in advance. 

He said his thoughts are with the families. 

"Families are not being kept up to date as they would wish. It is understandable that the area is still a hot zone with our troops still surrounded by M23 and Rwandan soldiers and a lot of negotiations had to take place. Promises should not have been made to the families," he said. 

Wingrin said even now, the families are being disrespected with the moving around of times for the handover ceremony. 

"This is quite insulting to the families," he said.

The ceremonies are expected to take place later on Thursday.

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

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