SANDF soldier killed after helicopter comes under fire in DRC

A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldier was killed and another was injured during an attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday, 5 February 2023.

DEPARTMENT SHARES DETAILS

According to SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, the soldiers were flying an Oryx helicopter when it came under fire in Goma. They were able to fly the helicopter and safely land at Goma Airport.

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The department said more information would be provided in due course.

“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla, the acting secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya express their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wish the wounded soldier a speedy recovery,” said Dlamini.

The UN mission called Monusco (UN Stabilisation Mission in Congo) was quoted in the media as saying the peacekeeping force operated the Oryx helicopter which came under attack, and it was attacked after taking off from the city of Beni, News24 reported.

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According to Defence Web, the Oryx and Rooivalk helicopters have been shot at before while deployed to the DRC.

DA WEIGHS IN SANDF SOLDIER DEATH

“We cannot allow our [SANDF] soldiers to be unnecessarily exposed to dangers on foreign soil if it should’ve been prevented.

“Maybe it’s time to consider whether the highest priority is still to have our air support capabilities in a foreign country while we have a critical shortage of air defence capabilities in South Africa and along our land and maritime borders,” the report quoted Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow defence minister, Kobus Marais, as saying.

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UN SENDS CONDOLENCES TO SLAIN SOLDIER’S FAMILY

In a statement, United Nations secretary-general António Guterres also condemned the attack on the SANDF soldiers and expressed condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper

“The secretary-general expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the government and people of the Republic of South Africa. He wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

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“The secretary-general recalls that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime under international law. He calls on the Congolese authorities to investigate this heinous attack and swiftly bring those responsible to justice,” reads the statement.