The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has suffered another devastating loss, with four additional soldiers killed in Goma, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This tragedy brings the total number of SANDF fatalities in the region to 13 in less than a week, raising serious concerns about the safety and readiness of South African troops deployed in the conflict zone.
The latest casualties follow a deadly clash last Friday, during which nine South African soldiers lost their lives in intense fighting with the M23 rebel group. The M23 rebels, who have escalated their offensive, claim to have seized control of Goma, further destabilizing the region.
In response to the tragedy, the SANDF has taken steps to support the bereaved families of the soldiers who were killed.
“What we have done since the loss of lives is dispatch our chaplains, general personnel, social workers, and psychologists to visit the families, inform them, and provide support in whichever way, including spiritually,”
said SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini.
Despite these efforts, uncertainty remains over the timeline for bringing the fallen soldiers’ remains back to South Africa.
“We are now waiting to ensure that the remains of our members are prepared in Goma and repatriated back to South Africa. I am not in a position to tell you when exactly they will be repatriated,”
Dlamini explained.
According to the InsightFactor, The situation is reportedly compounded by logistical challenges. Sources within the army have disclosed that the remains of the deceased soldiers have begun to decompose due to inadequate refrigeration facilities in Goma. This raises further concerns about the operational preparedness and support systems available to troops on the ground.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, InsightFactor states, army insiders have revealed alarming details about the conditions faced by SANDF soldiers in the DRC. Reports indicate a critical shortage of military equipment and ammunition, leaving troops ill-equipped to confront the well-armed M23 rebels effectively.
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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have responded to these revelations by urging the government to withdraw SANDF forces from the DRC. The party has questioned the rationale of maintaining a deployment under such dire conditions, emphasizing the risks posed to South African troops.
