By HMR News Updates
📍 South Africa – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has officially released the names of the 14 soldiers who lost their lives during and after a battle with M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earlier this week.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the SANDF confirmed that another soldier had succumbed to injuries in hospital, increasing the death toll from 13 to 14.
Fallen Soldiers Honored
The brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty are:
- Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
- Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
- Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
- Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
- Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
- Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
- Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
- Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
- Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
- Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
- Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
- Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
- Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
- Private Peter Jacobus Strydom
The SANDF described the fallen troops as heroes who “displayed extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 armed group.”
Leadership Extends Condolences
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms. Angie Motshekga, alongside Deputy Ministers Maj Gen (Ret.) Bantu Holomisa and Mr. Richard Hlophe, Acting Secretary for Defence Dr. Thobekile Gamede, and SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire military community.
Limpopo Premier Postpones Family Visits
Limpopo Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, has postponed her planned visit to the families of the deceased soldiers. Ramathuba and her executive council were scheduled to visit about 10 bereaved families across Limpopo on Sunday morning.
According to her spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha, the postponement was made to respect SANDF protocols and allow official processes to unfold.
“This decision was not made lightly, as the Executive Council understands the importance of providing support and comfort to the families during their time of grief. The EXCO remains committed to standing in solidarity with the bereaved families,” said Muavha.
Ongoing Conflict in Eastern DRC
The battle between SANDF peacekeepers and M23 rebels highlights the continued instability in eastern DRC, where South African forces are deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Despite recent diplomatic efforts, including the M23 rebels expressing willingness for peace talks, the situation remains volatile.
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