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SANDF names 14 soldiers killed in Congo conflict as M23 rebels seize Goma

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The South African National Defence Force has confirmed the names of 14 soldiers who displayed ‘extraordinary bravery’ while defending their base in Sake against M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the conflict intensifies with the rebel group’s capture of Goma.

The SANDF has released the names of the 14 fallen heroes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Picture: Supplied

THE SOUTH African National Defence Force (SANDF) has released the names of the fallen heroes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The fallen soldiers’ names are: Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola, Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe, Corporal Matome Justice Malesa, Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo, Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi, Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe and Private Peter Jacobus Strydom.

The soldiers were part of the SANDF contingent deployed to the region as part of both the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“They displayed extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 rebels who had attacked their base in Sake. The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, the Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans, Maj Gen (ret) Bantu Holomisa and Mr Richard Hlophe, together with the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya send their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire defence family,” reads the statement in part.

Rebel group M23 announced it had taken over the DRC’s eastern city of Goma. To date, scores of people have been killed, including the 14 SANDF soldiers. Hundreds more lie in wait for treatment at packed hospitals.

ALSO READ: DR Congo health ministry says Goma hospital morgues overflowing

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