Defence force considers commission of inquiry into deaths of SANDF members in DRC

CAPE TOWN - The defence force is still considering the possibility of setting up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) into the deaths of South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Deputy Minister of Defence, Bantu Holomisa, told the National Assembly on Wednesday that Members of Parliament (MPs) should also guide how the inquiry’s terms of reference are drafted.

Holomisa was responding to questions in the house on whether the department has taken any steps to launch an inquiry into the deaths of 14 South African soldiers killed while fighting M23 rebels in the DRC.

Holomisa faced several questions on the DRC peacekeeping deployment, where the SANDF suffered several casualties.

Holomisa told members that MPs should lead the cause in setting up a judicial commission of inquiry.

“It is worth noting that parliament has expressed a keen interest in ensuring that a thorough and transparent investigation is conducted. The ministry recognises these concerns and will engage accordingly on the potential establishment of such a commission.”

Holomisa said the success or failure of the DRC deployment can’t be measured on one incident alone, and they need a comprehensive report from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations, the DRC government and the SANDF.

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