Two SANDF Soldiers Killed, Twenty Injured in DRC War

Picture Courtesy: (The South African Government) African National Defence Force (SANDF) announced on Wednesday that two soldiers were killed and 20 injured when M23 rebels attacked the town of Sake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

(The Post News)- On Wednesday, June 26, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) announced that two more soldiers were killed by M23 rebels in Sake town, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with 20 others injured.

Two soldiers, serving as tactical intelligence captains for the South African National Defence Force, were killed in a mortar strike on one of their logistical facilities in Sake.

Late on Tuesday afternoon, a mortar strike on the South Africa logistical facility resulted in the deaths of these SANDF captains, who were serving in the Southern Africa regional force in the DRC.

Among those injured was Colonel Jaco Pieterson, commander of the South African national contingent. He sustained injuries from shrapnel when M23 rebels opened fire on the base.

Another captain was killed on the spot, and a second captain passed away while they were still waiting for the ambulance from the DRC hospital, which was about 20 kilometres away, to arrive with medical help.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC) includes South African forces.

It was established on December 15, 2023, to assist the DRC government in restoring security and peace in the country’s eastern regions.

Arrangements are currently underway for the repatriation of the bodies of the deceased soldiers to ensure they are brought back home. This serious and methodical operation is being carried out by the SANDF.

To guarantee that the remains of these courageous people are treated with the highest respect and dignity, this procedure entails coordination with numerous governmental and international organisations.

Getting transportation, helping the families of the departed, and setting up ceremonial honours are all part of the repatriation procedure.

The statement by the South African National Defence Forces stated, “The remaining members who sustained minor injuries are anticipated to be discharged soon, while the four members who sustained critical injuries have been admitted to the hospital.”

According to the SANDF, all arrangements to bring the two members’ mortal remains have been made, and their families have been notified.