Ramaphosa saddens over slain, injured S’African soldiers in Congo

By Blessing Chinagorom

President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force has expressed deep sadness 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.

In a statement released by the Presidency on Thursday, Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the families of the fallen troops as well as their commanders and colleagues, says his thoughts are also with the SANDF members who are recovering from their injuries.

Recall South African forces 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 Government of the DRC to restore peace and security in the eastern DRC.

According to the President, “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 assured 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. “This was in response to an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups”, he said.
South African National Defence Force (SANDF) announced on Wednesday that two soldiers were killed yesterday when M23 rebels attacked the town of Sake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while 20 are injured.

“Four members who were critically injured have been hospitalised, while the rest who suffered minor injuries are expected to be discharged soon,” the statement read.

The SANDF said 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.”
The statement recalled that on 30 May 2024, Sergeant Mbulelo David Ngubane passed away following contact between the M23 and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces.

Ngubane, who was 39 years old, was the operational medical practitioner in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS).

Also, in February this year, 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.