The families of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are grappling with uncertainty and frustration over the lack of communication regarding the return of their loved ones' bodies. While the SANDF assured families that the process was underway, the delayed arrival of the remains has sparked anger and anxiety.
The grief-stricken families of the slain South African National Defence Force ( SANDF ) soldiers are still waiting for news on when their bodies will be brought back home. A total of 14 soldiers were killed during a conflict with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ) in January 2025. Two of the affected families spoke to Sowetan LIVE, expressing frustration about the lack of communication regarding their loved one’s remains.
The bodies were expected to arrive in the country on February 5th, but by the night of the fifth, they had still not arrived. 'They call us every day. They do this to check on us, but they did not say when or what time they will be bringing the bodies back,” explained one grieving family member. His frustration was echoed by the family of Corporal Matome Justice Malesa, who said they were also in the dark when it came to an official update from the SANDF. While the families struggled with the uncertainty, social media users defended the delay. Many stated that it would not be a quick process to bring the bodies back home. 'I understand their frustration. The remains of their heroes will soon be with them. Maybe the SANDF is still following procedures before handing over the remains to families. I can imagine their anxiety,’ commented one user. Another user wrote, 'I communicated with my cousin yesterday. M23 have surrounded the UN and SANDF troops but there's no fighting at the moment. The process to bring back our fallen brothers is underway.’ The families continue to wait for answers and the return of their loved ones, hoping for a swift and respectful resolution to this difficult situation
SANDF DRC Soldiers Families Communication M23 Remains
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SANDF honours fallen soldiers as fighting intensifies in the DRCThe South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has mourned the lives of its 14 soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating violence from rebel forces.
Read more »
SANDF Soldiers Killed Fighting M23 Rebels in Eastern DRC, Mzansi Says: “Bring Our Soldiers Home”The SANDF confirmed that nine members were killed by M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but citizens are questioning why they are stationed there.
Read more »
Fear and heartbreak as SANDF families await soldiers’ returnGrieving families await repatriation of fallen SANDF soldiers, as troops in the DRC face dire conditions and uncertainty.
Read more »
SAAF Pledges Support to Families of Fallen Soldiers, Tensions Rise with RwandaFollowing the deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers in the DRC, the SAAF has announced plans to provide financial aid to their families. A meeting with defence industry partners during the annual Benevolent Golf Day aimed to raise funds and garner support for the bereaved families. However, the incident has also led to a diplomatic crisis between South Africa and Rwanda, with both countries making strong accusations against each other.
Read more »
SANDF denies allegations that SANDF forces surrendered to M23 rebels, SA furiousThe South African National Defence Force denied that a video of forces waving a white flag meant that the SANDF forces surrendered to the rebel M23 forces.
Read more »
Family mourns fallen ‘maker of peace’ SANDF soldierSANDF soldier Calvin Moagi, killed in the DRC, is celebrated by his family for his dedication to peacekeeping and service to South Africa.
Read more »