Four South African Soldiers Killed in DRC Crossfire
JOHANNESBURG – Tragedy has struck the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as four soldiers have lost their lives in an exchange of fire between Congolese forces and the M23 rebels in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Crossfire Incident Near Goma Airport
According to SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, the three soldiers were killed when a mortar shell, fired during the conflict, landed on their base near Goma airport.
“This confrontation happened near Goma airport, which is very close to the border with Rwanda and our base is co-located with Goma airport. So as they were exchanging fire, mortars fire and unfortunately one of the mortars landed on our base where that’s where we lost the three members,”
The fourth soldier died at a Goma hospital from injuries sustained during a two-day confrontation with the rebels while defending their base outside the city. With evacuation impossible at the time, the soldier succumbed to his wounds.
Renewed Concerns Over Peacekeeper Equipment
This incident has reignited concerns about the equipment and support provided to South African peacekeepers deployed in the DRC.
- ActionSA accused Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga of excessive spending on official travel, while the SANDF allegedly lacks necessary resources.
- Relatives of a fallen soldier have spoken out about inadequate support for the families of fallen troops.
- A foreign affairs analyst has highlighted the lack of proper equipment for SANDF members in the volatile region.