The family of one of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Moreo, said it is still trying to come to terms with his death.
Family spokesperson and uncle, Jerry Moreo told Newsnote that it is difficult to accept his death considering the way he passed on, adding that they tried to communicate with him after news of the war broke out in the media.
“His wife sent him messages and couldn’t get a response from him, so we started to get worried. We’re really devastated,” said Moreo.
He said the army personnel brought the sad news of Itumeleng’s passing a few days after attempts to communicate with him failed.
According to Moreo, life wouldn’t be the same if the slain soldier was a breadwinner.
“I’m struggling to imagine how life would be without a father figure to his wife and two beautiful kids.
He was a family man, he loved his wife and kids,” remarked Moreo.
Furthermore, he described Itumeleng as an adorable and respectful person, especially to the elders.
The 36-year-old Lans Bombardier joined the SANDF in 2010, and his uncle said from a young age, he always wanted to be a soldier.
“Itumeleng had a character that liked order, perseverance, and discipline and he succeeded in everything.
When he joined the army, I knew that his sense of patriotism would land him somewhere,” explained Moreo.
In addition, Moreo applauded the support that has been afforded to the family by the SANDF.
“We’ve received many visits from the SANDF national office, the Potchefstroom office where he was based, and including the local army personnel,” highlighted Moreo.
Itumeleng will be laid to rest on Saturday.