Three more SANDF soldiers killed in DRC to be laid to rest on Sunday

JOHANNESBURG - The funeral services for three members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are underway in Limpopo and the Free State on Sunday morning.

On Saturday, eight of the soldiers who were killed in the crossfire between M23 rebels and DRC army forces were laid to rest by their families in different parts of the country.

Sunday will see three of the country’s soldiers being laid to rest in a full military funeral with honours.
 
They were part of a group of 14 soldiers who died during a peacekeeping mission in the DRC in January.
 
Saturday’s funerals took place in Limpopo, the North West and the Free State and were attended by family, friends, and mourners, including government and army officials.
 
Speaking at the funerals of SANDF member, Itumeleng Moreo, in the North West, Lieutenant-Colonel Lisa Sipriano acknowledged the many unanswered questions weighing on the army.
 
She, however, emphasised that the lives of the fallen soldiers should be celebrated and cherished.
 
With Sunday’s services, a total of 13 soldiers will have been laid to rest, as Sergeant William Eddy Cola is scheduled for burial on 1 March 2025.