By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The bodies of the 14 South African soldiers who died during intense combat with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), arrived in Entebbe, Uganda on Saturday afternoon, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed.
The repatriation of the bodies – which is being done with the help of the United Nations – faced delay after the Department of Defence completed and handed over all administrative processes to the UN.
SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini said, “The mortal remains of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Soldiers arrived in Entebbe, Uganda. The standard pathology procedure will proceed. It is anticipated that all necessary procedures will be completed by no later than Tuesday, 11 February 2025.
“The movement is conducted by the United Nations. It is expected that by tomorrow afternoon East African Time,the bodies will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania, Dlamini said.”
“Further updates will be duly communicated, added Dlamini.
The 14 soldiers – hailed as African heroes by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this week – died in the DRC after coming under deadly attack from M23 fighters.
South African soldiers are in the DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).