Bodies of slain SANDF soldiers on their way home to SA

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that the bodies of 14 SA soldiers are on their way back to the country from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The troops died during recent fighting between the Congolese army, backed by troops from SA as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission, and M23 rebel fighters in the East of that country.

Delays in getting the bodies of the soldiers back to South Africa have been made worse by an unkept promise that they would arrive earlier this week.

Slain SANDF soldiers in transit

The SANDF acknowledged the delays on Friday but said the process had started.

“Following delays in moving the remains of the deceased from the DRC to the UN Logistics Base in Entebbe, Uganda, the SANDF can confirm that the movement is now underway. The movement is conducted by the United Nations.”

It said the bodies are expected to arrive in Uganda on Saturday afternoon and will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania.

A video purportedly showing the bodies being transported to Goma airport, and shared by Rwandan media, was circulated online on Friday.

WATCH: A video reportedly showing the bodies of the SANDF troops in transit

🚨BREAKING🚨

The bodies of South African soldiers who died in DRC have been repatriated through Rwanda. pic.twitter.com/OPcA70reZH

— IGIHE (@IGIHE) February 7, 2025

When contacted for comment by The Citizen, the SANDF said it could not confirm its authenticity. However, a source told the publication the bodies had begun the transit to SA.

Families wait

An aunt of one of the slain soldiers, Pieter Strydom, said her family had grown frustrated by the delays.

“They were lying to the families when they said the bodies were on their way back home [earlier this week],” Annetjie Gouws told The Citizen.

ALSO READ: Delay in repatriation of SA soldiers’ bodies

Those on the ground in the DRC are also reportedly shocked at the slow progress being made to bring the dead home, with the wife of a SANDF soldier in the region labelling it “inhumane”.

“The fact that the bodies were still lying in the base camp is unacceptable. Someone needs to be held accountable for that.”

She added that all she wanted was for her husband to come home.

“I am very worried about the neglect they are going through, and I don’t trust what the generals and the ministers say or what they are doing.”

ALSO READ: Families of fallen SANDF troops deserve better than an endless wait with empty promises

A nation in mourning

The SA flag is currently flying at half-mast for a week in tribute to those who died fighting in the conflict.

There were calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) to be more restrained this week amid the deaths.

Proceedings on Thursday began with a minute silence, with those in attendance asked to reflect on the dedication and sacrifice of the SANDF troops killed.

It was also the first item of business for Ramaphosa, who paid tribute to the 14 by name and vowed to return their bodies home.

“We call on all parties to embrace diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution [in the DRC]. We will attend the joint summit between SADC [Southern African Development Communities] and the East African community, scheduled to take place in Tanzania this week.

“South Africa will reiterate its call for a cease-fire and the resumption of talks to find a just and enduring solution and will also make sure our soldiers come back home.”

Additional reporting by Marizka Coetzer and Itumeleng Mafisa

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