As the country waits for the repatriation of the mortal remains of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the process has encountered some delays.
SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya told the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Defence that they would be repatriated on Wednesday.
In a brief statement, the SANDF says all administrative processes have been completed and handed over to the United Nations (UN).
The UN planned movement for the repatriation of the deceased out of the combat zone.
The M23 rebels have also called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire after fighting has left hundreds of people dead in the region.
DRC has experienced decades of instability due to ethnic tension and fights over land and mineral resources.
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement || Thursday, 06 February 2025.
Update on the Repatriation of the Deceased Members of the SA National Defence Force in the Republic of the Congo.#SANDF#DCCMediaLiaison#RIPSASoldiers#DRC pic.twitter.com/zvd4aApSir
— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) February 6, 2025
