South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Admiral, Prince Tshabalala, has confirmed that the mortal remains of the soldiers who were killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have arrived in the country.
The SANDF says arrangements have been put in place for families to receive the bodies of their loved ones today.
A memorial service and handover ceremony will be held at the Swartkop Airforce base this evening.
Tshabalala says they want to afford the families of the soldiers closure.
“Our fallen heroes are finally back at home. They arrived last night and today it will be an act of solemn and respectful where we are offering a dignified send off to say to our peacekeepers a farewell and hand over them to their families so that we afford the families a closure and a sense of peace to know that their sons are finally back at home.”
Tshabalala says the handing over of the remains will be done in a dignified way.
” A respectful way just to show that these heroes did not die in vain, they died in the ultimate sacrifice of the country. We do it in two ways where we are sending them off through a ceremony, a ceremony that is normally afforded to a person that has sacrificed for the country and served well.”
VIDEO | Tshabalala has thanked the families of the deceased soldiers for their own sacrifices:
We SALUTE,our Heroes,soldiers who stood in the Gap as PeaceMakers for all S.A and the Continent. Fare thee well. R.I.P. We are praying for your families comfort💔💔💔🇿🇦🇿🇦
— Rev.Nonqaba Mosunkutu GODCOMFORTEROFWIDOWS (@NonqabaMosunku9) February 13, 2025
Their sacrifice and service to peace and stability will never be forgotten. May their souls rest in power, and may their loved ones find strength during this painful time.
— Ntokozo Masuku (@visse_ss) February 13, 2025
My condolences to the families that lost sons and fathers. May the Lord strengthen you all. If He carries the weight of the world, He surely will carry you. He will never leave nor forsake you. He will comfort you and strengthen your knees. AMEN!
— Mtheza Gengele (@Mthezagengele) February 13, 2025
