THE South African Defence Force (SANDF) has released the names of the two soldiers who were killed in a mortar incident last Wednesday in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The names of the deceased soldiers are Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono.
The two soldiers met their untimely death when a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African Contingents' military bases, inflicting casualties, and injuries to the SANDF soldiers.
According to the SANDF, the Mzansi Contingent is part of the SADC Mission in the DRC deployed to support and assist the government of the DRC to restore peace, security and stability in the region.
The Force said because of this indirect fire, the SANDF suffered two fatalities, and three members sustained injuries.
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The injured were taken to the nearest hospital in Goma for medical attention.
SANDF spokeswoman Colonel Selina Rawlins said both soldiers, Bobe and Semono were working at One South African Infantry Battalion and were deployed with Two South African Infantry Battalion when they met their deaths.
She said the details of the memorial and funeral services will be communicated in due course.
“The three soldiers who sustained injuries are still in hospital and remain in good condition,” she said.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise, deputy minister of defence and military veterans Thabang Makwetla, acting secretary for defence, Thobekile Gamede and the chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya extend their heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the deceased and a speedy recovery to the injured.
