Johannesburg – A South African soldier has been killed in a battle with M23 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where more than a dozen others were injured, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed on Friday.
“SANDF confirms that on Thursday, (30 May 2-24), the SANDF members came into contact with M23 at Sake, in the battle ensued between M23 and our forces,” a statement said.
“Thirteen members were injured and one was fatally wounded. All the injured members were evacuated to Goma Hospital and are recuperating.”
Two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) were damaged during the engagement, the SANDF said.
“Once all the information involving our members’ have been verified an update will be communicated and the family of the deceased member will be informed,” the statement said.
Earlier on Friday, before the SANDF released its statement, the South African National Defence Union (SANDU) called for “transparency” on the deadly encounter between the SANDF and M23.
SANDU said: “It has noted with concern reports circulating on social media as well as reports directly from SANDF members deployed in DRC about an attack by M23 near Sake on 30 May 2024, which resulted in one member of the South African Medical Health Services killed in action and more than a dozen soldiers injured and hospitalised some in critical condition”.
SANDU added: “Despite the reports the SANDF has remained silent”.
SANDU reminded the Department of Defence of its duty to be transparent and officially inform the public about the facts of these reported incidents and provide assurance as to consequential action (without detailing specific tactics and strategy).
At least four SANDF soldiers were killed in February and March.
The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC deployed to support and assist that country’s besieged government in restoring peace, security, and stability.
In February this year, South Africa deployed 2 900 of its soldiers for the SADC operation in eastern Congo, which has a mandate until December 2024, at a cost of around 2 billion rand.
