The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has announced that the remains of the 14 soldiers who were killed in an ambush in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be repatriated on February 5, 2026. The soldiers lost their lives during a violent clash in Goma in January 2026, when M23 rebels attacked a SANDF base. This tragic event has left South Africans in mourning, with many expressing heartbreak and outrage over the ongoing deployment of their forces abroad.
The SANDF has faced significant scrutiny following the deaths, with South Africans questioning the safety and readiness of their troops. In response, SANDF’s Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya clarified that the soldiers’ deaths were not due to improper training. Instead, he explained that the soldiers were caught in the crossfire of a larger conflict between DRC and Rwandan forces, with a multiple rocket launcher being used by the DRC army, prompting retaliatory action from Rwandan troops.
The repatriation of the soldiers’ remains is a solemn moment for the nation, as the families and the country at large grieve the loss of these brave men. The SANDF has also addressed a viral video showing soldiers waving a white flag, denying claims that the troops had surrendered. Despite these explanations, calls for the recall of SANDF forces from the DRC have intensified, with many citizens questioning the risks involved in the mission.
Furthermore, while the SANDF has acknowledged that its forces in the DRC are under-resourced, it remains committed to its peacekeeping efforts in the region. However, the tragic deaths have raised serious concerns about the safety of South African soldiers deployed abroad and the long-term viability of such peacekeeping operations. As the bodies of the fallen heroes return home, their sacrifice has sparked a wider conversation about the nation’s military engagements overseas.
