Defence and Military Veterans of South Africa Minister Angie Motshekga. | Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Defence and Military Veterans of South Africa Minister Angie Motshekga revealed that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) stood firm in defence of Sake, a town in the DRC, for three days with battles lasting up to nine hours of continuous fighting without any pause.
Motshekga made the revelation during the debate on a matter of national importance relating to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died in the eastern DRC.
Motshekga looked back two weeks ago when SANDF troops came under attack.
She said that on January 24, they were woken up to news that troops based in Sake came under heavy attack by the M23 rebel group.
Motshekga explained that in the weeks leading up to January 23, fighting in that region had escalated with the rebel group fiercely engaged with the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC). The intensified fight saw M23 seizing key towns in the province of North Kivu, like Masisi, Ngungu, Bitagata, and Minova.
Meanwhile, the rebels were advancing towards Sake where the SAMIDRC Main Operating Base is. This led to the SANDF being enveloped.
“The M23 launched an all-out attack on the SAMIDRC Main Operating Base, where the South African, Malawian, Tanzanian contingents, together with the MONUSCO (United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC) and FARDC (Congolese Armed Forces) were co-located,” Motshekga explained.
“Heavy shelling of the base was experienced and this was followed by a ground attack aimed at our Operational Base.”
Motshekga said the M23 attacks contravened the Nairobi Peace Process and the ceasefire brokered by the Luanda Peace Process.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga said that one of the critical pillars of South Africa's foreign policy is to contribute to the creation of peace and stability on the African continent and the world. In support of this foreign policy position SA… pic.twitter.com/jBwzltKt8U
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“The SAMIDRC stood firm in defence of Sake for three days, with battles lasting up to nine hours of continuous fighting without any pause. SAMIDRC managed to contain the situation and repel the attack,” Motshekga explained.
She said the M23, with some of its elements, showed signs of withdrawing from the town and had M23 suffered heavy casualties in the ensuing period.
“It is during this time that we took casualties with nine dead and 12 injured with varying degrees,” Motshekga said.
“Following an exchange of mortar bombs between the FARDC (Congolese Armed Forces) and the M23 rebel militia on Monday, January 27, near Goma Airport where the SANDF Base is collocated, three members of the SANDF were killed. Meanwhile, one of the members who had suffered serious injuries during the battle in Sake later succumbed to his injuries.
“The last member died from bullet wounds after being shot in Goma, bringing the total number to 14 deceased. Eight of these members come from Limpopo province, three from the Free State province, and one each from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and North West provinces,” Motshekga continued.
She said all the soldiers will be laid to rest in full military honours for their ultimate sacrifices.
“The circumstances leading to this tragic event are complex and multifaceted.”
Motshekga added that the latest reports of delays in repatriating soldiers are heartbreaking.
“From the reports we are receiving, they are still in Uganda, undergoing all the medical processes and we also are pressing very hard to get our deceased. We were hoping that we’ll get them by today (Monday), but by the latest, we are told that Thursday, they will be here.”
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za