DRC Attacks: SANDF Releases Names of Fallen Heroes as SADC Condemns M23, Rwanda

The soldiers were part of the SANDF troops deployed to the DRC as part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). Photo: Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has released the names of the 14 soldiers who died during a confrontation with M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

These soldiers were part of the SANDF troops deployed to the DRC as part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).

In a media statement on February 1, the SANDF said the soldiers “displayed extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 rebels who had attacked their base in sake”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured the fallen soldiers. In a statement on Wednesday, January 29th, Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.

“On behalf of the government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones and colleagues. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant fight for peace.” said Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa confirmed that the process to repatriate the bodies is underway.

“All necessary support is being provided to the families of the deceased and the families of the injured. The process to repatriate the remains of the deceased is underway.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and confirmed that the process to repatriate the bodies is underway. Photo: South African Presidency

Speaking at the opening of the first phase of the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in North Riding, Johannesburg, on Thursday, January 30th, Deputy President Paul Mashatile joined Ramaphosa in mourning and honouring the fallen soldiers, stating that “These brave soldiers were dedicated to their mission and committed to contribute to peace and stability in the DRC.”

The attacks on peacekeepers also resulted in the deaths of SAMIDRC members from other troop-contributing countries, including Malawi and Tanzania, as well as members of the MONUSCO brigade.

The names and ranks of the fallen soldiers are:

Staff Sergeants: Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola, Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, and Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe.

Corporals: Corporal Matome Justice Malesa, Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo, and Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi

Riflemen: Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi, and Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe

Privates: Private Peter Jacobus Strydom

Ramaphosa urged all South Africans to rally behind the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace to the continent.

The SADC leaders at the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Harare, Zimbabwe on 31 January 2025. The summit condemned the attacks on the South African soldiers and their DRC counterparts by the M23 rebels and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF). Photo: SADC.

At their Extraordinary Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe on Friday (January 31), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state condemned the attacks on the South African soldiers and their DRC counterparts by “the M23 armed group and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF)”.

The summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the SADC chairperson, expressed condolences to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania for their loss of soldiers.

Ramaphosa, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Tanzania President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, and newly elected Mozambican President Daniel Chapo were among those attending the Extraordinary Summit.

***SADC Chairperson and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed condolences to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania for their loss of soldiers. Photo: Zimbabwean Government***

“Summit received the latest reports on the unfolding security situation in the Eastern part of the DRC and noted with concern the recent attacks by the M23 armed group and Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) on the Government Forces of DRC, the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), and the civilian population in various areas of North Kivu,” said SADC in a statement released on Friday.

“Summit expressed its deepest condolences to the Democratic Republic Congo, the Republics of Malawi and South Africa and, the United Republic of Tanzania for the deceased soldiers who lost their lives during the recent attacks in Sake, Eastern DRC, whilst serving under the SAMIDRC and wished those injured a speedy recovery.”

The SADC leaders also called for a ceasefire, adding the latest attacks in the DRC would worsen security and humanitarian efforts in the country.

“Summit expressed concern that the recent attacks continued to worsen the security and humanitarian situation in the DRC and called for immediate restoration of essential utilities such as water, electricity, means of communication and supply lines for food and other essential commodities.”