SANDF releases names and ranks for 14 soldiers who were brutally killed by M23 rebels in Goma, DRC as death toll rises

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has released the names and ranks of the 14 soldiers who perished in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during fierce combat with M23 rebels. The announcement follows a tragic escalation in the conflict, with the death toll rising after an injured soldier succumbed to his wounds in hospital.

In a statement, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini confirmed the grim news, identifying the fallen soldiers as:

The Fallen Soldiers:

• 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
• Private Peter Jacobus Strydom

Dlamini explained that these soldiers were part of the SANDF contingent deployed to the DRC as part of both the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission (Monusco). He lauded their bravery, stating that they displayed "extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 rebels who had attacked their base".

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, along with Deputy Ministers Maj Gen (ret) Bantu Holomisa and Mr Richard Hlophe, Acting Secretary for Defence Dr Thobekile Gamede, and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya, extended their deepest condolences to the families and the defence force.

The tragic loss follows a full-scale M23 attack on Thursday, 23 January, aimed at seizing Sake and gaining access to Goma, the provincial capital of eastern DRC, as detailed by General Maphwanya. He recounted, "Fierce fighting ensued, and our soldiers displayed extraordinary bravery and determination. They successfully halted the M23 advancement and pushed them back, preventing the rebels from achieving their objective."

Initially, the SANDF reported nine soldiers killed and several injured after two days of intense fighting. However, the death toll tragically increased by three more soldiers after they were caught in crossfire involving mortar bombs exchanged between the Congolese Defence Force (FARDC) and the M23 rebels near Goma Airport, where the SANDF base is situated. The M23 launched several mortar bombs towards the airport, impacting the SANDF base and resulting in the loss of three more lives.

Following a SADC summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Friday, a decision was made to dispatch a team to North Kivu to facilitate the repatriation of deceased and injured SANDF members, as well as those from Malawian and Tanzanian forces.

A SAMIDRC incident report detailing the first day of the attack (05:00 to 18:00) reveals that South African troops were encircled and engaged by M23 rebels, forcing them into defensive positions. The report further indicated that 18 soldiers were wounded during this engagement.

In a later statement, General Maphwanya reported that the M23, having suffered heavy losses, requested a ceasefire through SAMIDRC to recover their own casualties near Sake. This ceasefire was conditional upon safe passage for injured SANDF soldiers to Goma for treatment. The SANDF confirmed that the remaining injured soldiers are receiving medical attention at the Level 3 Hospital in Goma.

General Maphwanya reiterated the SANDF's commitment to peace-building efforts in the DRC, highlighting SAMIDRC's mandate to support regional and international initiatives aimed at lasting peace and security. This mandate includes neutralising armed groups, restoring peace and security, creating a safe environment for humanitarian aid, protecting critical infrastructure, and safeguarding civilians.

The situation in the DRC is complex, with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, and the escalating activities of the Islamic State Central Africa Province (Iscap) adding to the instability. Lt Col (Ret) Johann Smith, a political risk analyst, commenting on the escalation, noted that the issue wasn't the SANDF soldiers’ fighting capabilities – they are experienced in the terrain, having operated there for 21 years and familiar with the enemy's tactics – but rather a critical lack of logistical support.

This deficiency, he argued, not only demoralised the troops but also hampered the evacuation of the wounded and the resupply of ammunition, leaving them vulnerable without air support. He described the soldiers, without adequate support, as "sitting ducks".