By OBAKENG MAJE
One of the two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) attack, is Rebaone Kgopane from Matlapaeng village in Taung.
The SANDF announced on Wednesday that two soldiers were killed yesterday, while 20 were injured when M23 rebels attacked the town of Sake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The SANDF said four members who were critically injured have been hospitalised, while the rest who suffered minor injuries are expected to be discharged soon.
“The families of the two members who lost their lives have been informed and all procedures to bring their mortal remains are in process. The names of the deceased will be communicated in due course.
“On 30 May 2024, Sergeant Mbulelo David Ngubane passed away following contact between the M23 and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces. Ngubane (39), was the operational medical practitioner in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS),” the statement read.
The SANDF said in February 2024, Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono, were also killed and three of their colleagues were injured in the DRC after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.
Meanwhile, the president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of two soldiers and injuries sustained by 20 others in a mortar attack on their base in Sake in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We offer our deep condolences to the families of the fallen troops, as well as their commanders and colleagues.
The President’s thoughts are also with the SANDF members who are recovering from their injuries.
“We assure the bereaved families and the injured troops that the South African National Defence Force will take the utmost care to provide the necessary logistical and psychosocial support to all those affected. As we mourn the deaths and casualties inflicted on our soldiers, we value and are humbled by the sacrifices they have made for the cause of peace and stability in our region, and they shall not be forgotten.”
Ramaphosa further said SANDF are part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which was deployed on 15 December 2023 to support the government of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC.
He added that this was in response to an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups.
TaungDailyNews 