Four more South African soldiers killed in DRC clashes as SA death toll reaches 13

Four more South African soldiers have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), bringing to 13 the number of SA soldiers who have died in fierce fighting with M23 rebels over the last five days.

Three of the soldiers died in fighting at the airport in the provincial capital of Goma on Monday, said officials.

The fourth died from injuries sustained in a major clash with M23 on Thursday and Friday last week when nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers died. M23 has now captured Goma.

M23, which had previously launched a series of offensives in eastern DRC, declared on Monday that they had successfully captured the city.

Later that same day, a skirmish erupted between M23 and DRC forces, leading to the deaths of the three SANDF soldiers. This latest incident highlights the increasingly perilous conditions faced by South African troops deployed in the region.

A viral video showing a South African National Defence Force (SANDF)soldier raising a white flag at Sake base in DRC has sparked concerns, but SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini clarified its context.

Dlamini confirmed the video’s authenticity, explaining that the flag was part… pic.twitter.com/sBxFFogVV3

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In a statement, Siphiwe Dlamini, SANDF spokesperson, confirmed that SANDF forces were confined to their bases in Goma and Sake, 23 kilometres to the northwest.

Dlamini described the situation as “very tense,” with South African troops surrounded, unable to leave for medical treatment or receive supplies and reinforcements.

“The troops are in a difficult position,” Dlamini said. “They are surrounded, and we are working on ensuring they get the help they need, but the situation is quite grave.”

A controversial video has surfaced on social media showing a SANDF soldier raising a white flag at their base in Sake, sparking rumours that South African troops had surrendered.

Dlamini confirmed the authenticity of the video but clarified that the white flag was part of a temporary truce between SANDF and M23 forces.

“The footage in question depicts a white flag raised, which is an outcome of discussions between the opposing fighting forces to agree on a truce to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured in the vicinity of our base. This will also open the route for our troops to access medical facilities. This is common practice in any war. Let members of the public not be alarmed by a video clip and its meaning,” he said.

Other Topics To Read

• Democratic Republic of Congo
• M23 rebels
• M23 rebels DRC
• Goma conflict
• M23 DRC
• Four more South African soldiers killed in DRC clashes as SA death toll reaches 13
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