The South African National Defence of Force has shot down claims that the battalion deployed on a peacekeeping mission in Eastern DRC may have been out of its depths against the M23 rebels. The SANDF says on the contrary, the rebels incurred more casualties, possibly in their hundreds.
The comments came as the government handover ceremony of for the mortal remains of the 14 who were killed in combat to their families.
Admiral Prince Tshabalala says the SANDF battalion fought a heroic battle against a larger force.
“They are not telling the truth. In fact reports are coming out now that this small force of about 200 defended and repelled attacks and as a result blocked the thousands of rebels. Without boosting we protected the people of Goma very well and without compromising the numbers I can tell you now that M23 suffered casualties in their hundreds, eight hundred and more, hence we are proud of these soldiers
Diplomatic efforts are underway to secure a ceasefire and possibly avoid more casualties.
The admiral said moral is high in the SANDF with soldiers determined to continue serving the country.
“The morale is quite high in the SANDF. I have been getting a lot of calls in the office from South Africans wanting to join the army to contribute to our peacekeeping efforts,” said Tshabalala.
Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe and
Private Peter Jacobus Strydom were killed in Goma as M23 seized the provincial capital of Eastern DRC.
Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa made an undertaking in parliament that the government would not be reckless in the deployment of soldiers as part of the peacekeeping mission.
Ramaphosa presided over the handing over of the mortal remains at Airforce Base Swartkop near Centurion.