South African soldiers killed in DRC to be buried with full military honour

The 14 South African soldiers, killed in the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be buried with full military honour.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Angie Motshekga, said the soldiers mortal remains are expected back in SA on Thursday.

Speaking at the National Assembly debate on the SANDF troops' participation in the DRC on Monday, Motshekga said seven of the soldiers are from Limpopo, three from the Free State and the rest of the men from the North West, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.

She stated that all the officers will be laid to rest in full military honour for their sacrifice.

The soldiers' remains were due to be brought to SA last week however, there were several delays. 

At the weekend, the SANDF said the soldiers' bodies were taken from DRC to the United Nations Logistics Base in Entebbe, Uganda. Further reports state that from Uganda, the soldiers' bodies will be brought to SA.

The soldiers' names: 

• Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
• Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
• Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
• Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
• Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
• Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
• Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
• Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
• Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
• Private Peter Jacobus Strydom
• Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
• Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
• Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
• Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi 

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

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