Kaya News Team

The memorial service for the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently underway at the Swartkop Airforce Base in Centurion.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Defence minister Angie Motshekga are set to lead the memorial service for the soldiers who died in battle against M23 rebels in Goma during the period of 23 to 27 January 2025.
[WATCH]The memorial service of 14 #SANDF fallen soldiers is about to get underway at the Swartkop Airforce base. KH #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/edXiWuZqKW
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) February 13, 2025
The proceedings started with a handover ceremony today on Thursday, 13 February 2025 at 6PM.
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in his capacity as the commander in chief of the SANDF to hand over the mortal remains of the 14 soldiers to their families.
Kaya News reports that the remains were positively identified by their loved ones after arriving in the country on Wednesday night.
The remains of #SANDF soldiers being ushered into hearses at the Airforce base.
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) February 13, 2025
They have been positively identified by their loved one's after arriving in the country last night . KH #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/DyJX2GgOk3
Meanwhile, SANDF chief general Rudzani Maphwanya has slammed those who have been calling for the withdrawal of troops in the DRC.
Maphwanya says the soldiers are equipped and well-resourced.
#SANDF chief general Rudzani Maphwanya slams those who've been calling for the withdrawal of troops in #DRC.
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) February 13, 2025
He says soldiers are equipped and well resourced. KH #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/DJ9iyV1SY2
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given thanks to the countries that assisted South Africa in bringing back the bodies of the 14 SANDF soldiers.
Ramaphosa also offered his deepest condolences to the families in mourning.
President #CyrilRamaphosa gives thanks to countries who assisted SA in bringing back the 14 fallen #SANDF soldiers to a country in mourning.
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) February 13, 2025
He offers his deepest condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the nation. KH #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/VhKULxFZPb
*Follow @KayaNews on X for more updates on this developing story.
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