One of the 14 South African National Defence (SANDF) soldiers killed in Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic Congo (DRC), Corporal Matome Malesa, has been finally laid to rest at Mashishimale village cemetery near Phalaborwa in Limpopo.

Corporal Malesa met his death at his second deployment.

His first deployment was in Burundi in 2016.

Last year, Malesa was deployed in a peacekeeping mission in the eastern DRC. Eight of the 14 soldiers killed come from Limpopo. Malesa’s friend and colleague, Oupa Botya, has described him as a dedicated soldier.

“We were not only created but we were designed to operate in difficult circumstances and any terrain we were created to conquer like lions and cheaters. We conquered like lightning. We would strike until the enemy could hear our echo like David against Goliath – we stood the test of time,” he says.

Meanwhile, the DRC government has sent messages of condolences to the families of the 14 slain SANDF members.

Brigadier General Lonwabo Zicina read out the message during Corporal Malesa at Mashishimale village near Phalaborwa in Limpopo. Corporal Malesa was buried at the local cemetery. Here is Brigadier General Zicina.

“I have the honor to greet you and express my deep sorrow following the death of 14 valiant soldiers of the SANDF under the flag of DRC who were fighting for peace.”

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Jongile Masu of the SANDF has described Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Moreo as a person who loved his work dearly.

His wife, Kefilwe Moreo, says her husband was a soft-hearted man who she could always count on.  

Moreo’s funeral service is being held at the Unibo Chapel in the North West capital Mahikeng. Itumeleng says her husband loved his family very much.

DRC Conflict | Lance Bombardier Moreo described as one who loved his work: