JOHANNESBURG – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on Saturday confirmed troops who came under attack by rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) last week are safe, for now.

13 South African soldiers were shot and killed by Seleka rebels, when they overran the capital Bangui.

Pressure is still mounting on President Jacob Zuma to explain why the soldiers were in CAR to begin with.

The SANDF’s Brigadier Xolani Mabanga claimed there has been no decision to evacuate the troops from the troubled country.

“The soldiers that are in Central African Republic are reported to be safe and there’s nothing that threatens their lives, the property or the equipment they have.”

Meanwhile, Zuma has been invited to attend an extraordinary summit of the Economic Community of Central African States on Wednesday.

Here, leaders will meet to discuss a solution to bring stability to CAR.

The president will be accompanied by several ministers, including International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane and Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.