Critically wounded SANDF soldiers repatriated from DRC

A group of critically injured members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, have arrived in the country. The soldiers arrived in the early hours of this morning and were immediately transferred to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria. The soldiers, who were part of MONUSCO and SAMIDRC peacekeeping missions, were wounded during clashes with the M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last month.“The SANDF in coordination with other relevant role players has worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of our wounded members.We urge the public to respect and afford privacy to the injured members and their families during the healing process. The SANDF remains committed to the welfare our soldiers. Further updates will be provided as necessary,” said SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini. According to reports, the soldiers were transported with an air ambulance from Kigali, Rwanda, to Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria. In addition, Dlamini said the other injured and sick soldiers will arrive in the country during the cause of this week. The repatriation mission was aborted last week following logistic challenges in the DRC, and delays in negotiations between the M23 rebels and the United Nations, which was assisting in negotiations to repatriate the soldiers.