JOHANNESBURG: Three South African troopers had been killed and 18 injured in clashes with M23 forces within the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the place they had been a part of a southern African mission, a political occasion and a navy union stated Saturday.The Democratic Alliance (DA) occasion “expresses its condolences with the households of the three SANDF (South African Nationwide Defence Forces) members who tragically misplaced their lives,” it stated in an announcement.”As well as, at the very least 18 SANDF troopers had been wounded within the ongoing battles with M23 rebels.”The casualties occurred Thursday when M23 rebels attacked Sake within the japanese DRC, stated the DA, which is a part of South Africa’s governing coalition.The South African troopers had been in DRC as a part of a mission despatched by the Southern African Improvement Group (SADC), a regional grouping that features each international locations.A South African navy spokesman and a SADC official in Botswana informed AFP that they might not but remark.”The SANDF will reply with an announcement,” spokesman Jaco Theunissen stated.A DA parliamentarian, Chris Hattingh, informed AFP that the occasion had obtained affirmation from the SADC pressure and from different sources within the DRC.”The shortage of communication forthcoming from the SANDF concerning the scenario within the DRC is of significant concern. South Africans should depend on DRC sources to be told of casualties,” he stated.The South African Nationwide Defence Union additionally voiced concern concerning the casualties. “Troopers deserve greater than silence. Their sacrifices and accidents demand quick acknowledgement and motion from our leaders. It’s unacceptable for such important data to be delayed or withheld. We want solutions, and we’d like them now,” nationwide secretary Pikkie Greef stated.
