No Missing Weapons: SANDF Reassures Public Amid DRC Return

(The Post News)– Concerns circulating about South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) without their weapons have been firmly dismissed by military leadership. The SANDF assures the public that all equipment is accounted for and is being transported back to South Africa in a carefully managed, phased process.

Lieutenant General Siphiwe Sangweni, the Chief of Joint Operations for the SANDF, clarified that reports of “missing weapons” are misplaced. He confirmed that a significant portion – approximately 80% – of the SANDF’s equipment and weapons has already been securely moved to Tanzania. From there, the process of bringing these vital assets back home to South Africa is underway, a logistical undertaking expected to take several months.

General Sangweni explained that this movement of equipment occurred when soldiers withdrew from Goma, a key operational area, to a transit camp in Tanzania. He emphasized that while troops are returning to South Africa, it’s impractical and not standard procedure for them to personally carry large-scale military hardware and weapons. “The weapons and equipment are coming back,” General Sangweni stated, “but it does not imply that they are carrying those weapons as of now.”

The return of SANDF personnel from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission in the DRC continues this week. The fourth group of soldiers is expected to land at Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein today, Tuesday. This follows the arrival of the third group, comprising 248 members, on Monday, who have already begun their crucial demobilisation programme.

Upon their return, soldiers do not immediately reunite with their families. Instead, they undergo a vital, structured demobilisation process at the Tempe Military Base in Bloemfontein. Major General Godfrey Thulare highlighted the importance of this programme for the well-being of the returning troops. The first day focuses on essential psychosocial support, where soldiers are interviewed by chaplains, social workers, and medical staff. The second day involves personnel administration and intelligence debriefings before members are cleared on the third day to be reintegrated into their units and, finally, reunited with their waiting families.

The phased withdrawal of SANDF troops from the DRC is nearing completion, following a ceasefire agreement reached between the M23 rebels and the DRC military. The entire repatriation process is anticipated to conclude by June 25th. As the mission draws to a close, the SANDF reiterates its commitment to accountability, ensuring all military assets are safely returned to South Africa in due course.