SANDF clarifies that white flag in DRC video 'not a flag of surrender'

JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has expressed concern over what it's called misleading claims that its members have surrendered in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Fears have been mounting in South Africa after 13 soldiers were killed in the conflict-ridden region.

This while a video has been circulating on social media showing South African soldiers waving a white flag.

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SANDF head of communications, Siphiwe Dlamini, has clarified what is depicted in the video.

"We were visited by three members, assuming they were from M23, at that base in Sake where there was a discussion that they would like us to allow them to remove the remains of those that had been killed in that confrontation. It's common practice in any war situation where those that have lost their lives are retrieved from the battlefield."

The M23 rebels have since taken over Goma.

However, Dlamini said the flag was not a sign of surrender.

"That flag was not a flag of surrender. It was a flag to indicate that this is where we are based. There should not be any attacks towards that base."