SADU can't confirm nor deny claims more SA soldiers deployed to DRC

JOHANNESBURG - As the remains of 14 soldiers return to home soil, the South African Defence Union (SADU) says it cannot confirm nor deny claims that an additional contingent of South African soldiers has been deployed to the eastern DRC.

A group of 14 troops died last month when they were caught in the crossfire in a battle between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) army forces and the M23 rebels.

A memorial service is set to be held in their honour at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Joburg on Thursday where their remains will be handed over to their families.

READ: INFOGRAPHIC: The 14 SA soldiers killed in DRC

At least 1000 South African soldiers remain deployed on the peacekeeping mission in the conflicted DRC.

While the defence union’s national negotiator Jeff Dubazana said they're aware of claims that more soldiers have been sent to the DRC this week, he said the matter remains sensitive.

“Any information that we give out about whatever measures we are taking in preparation of whatever ultimately develops may in the long run put our ground soldiers there at risk. But the truth is that we have and we are still preparing for what comes out ultimately.”