Bulelwa Hoala

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed on Saturday that the bodies of the 14 soldiers killed in battle with M23 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have arrived in Uganda.
According to a statement released by SANDF Head of Communication, Siphiwe Dlamini, the bodies will undergo standard pathology procedures starting from today, Sunday, 9 February 2025.
“The mortal remains of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Soldiers arrived this afternoon in Entebbe, Uganda. The standard pathology procedure will commence tomorrow. It is anticipated that all necessary procedures will be completed by no later than Tuesday, 11 February 2025,” SANDF said in a statement.
The SANDF also paid tribute to the slain soldiers by releasing their photographs on social media.
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || Friday, 07 February 2025 || Update on the repatriation of the deceased members of the SA National Defence Force from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.#SANDF#RIPSASoldiers#DRC pic.twitter.com/CqlUGADaTL
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) February 8, 2025
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || Friday, 07 February 2025 || Update on the repatriation of the deceased members of the SA National Defence Force from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.#SANDF#RIPSASoldiers#DRC pic.twitter.com/pa2vutJXWi
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) February 8, 2025
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || Friday, 07 February 2025 || Update on the repatriation of the deceased members of the SA National Defence Force from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.#SANDF#RIPSASoldiers#DRC pic.twitter.com/hp45I8GTpH
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) February 8, 2025
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || Friday, 07 February 2025 || Update on the repatriation of the deceased members of the SA National Defence Force from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.#SANDF#RIPSASoldiers#DRC pic.twitter.com/BLMmEHGMXF
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) February 8, 2025
The remains of the 14 SANDF soldiers are in the process of being repatriated to South Africa following their death during a peacekeeping mission in the DRC.
Meanwhile, eNCA reports that the remaining soldiers are under increasing threat in the DRC.
Former SANDF general, Maomela Motau, alleges that the soldiers are running out of food and water because M23 rebels have surrounded their camp in Goma.



