SANDF's Maphwanya says remains of fallen soldiers return to SA on Wednesday

CAPE TOWN - The chief of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzwani Maphwanya says the remains of fallen soldiers who have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will be returned to South Africa on Wednesday.

But he’s yet to share further details regarding the repatriation effort - as parliamentarians press for specifics regarding the arrival.

Rudzani and the Defence Ministers Angie Motshekga and Bantu Holomisa have been before a joint meeting of Parliament’s Defence committees on Tuesday afternoon to answer questions about their deaths and South Africa’s mission in the country.

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Earlier, Motshekga said the damage to the runway at Goma airport was complicating the repatriation mission.

Maphwanya says the families of the 14 soldiers who died 10 days ago have been receiving all the necessary support to deal with their loss.

"The first one that I will maybe have to try and respond to that persistently been asked, is when are we going to get the remains of our members back. In one sentence. Tomorrow."