Mortar attack hits South African military base in the DRC, causing casualties
On February 14, 2024, at approximately 13:30, a mortar bomb struck a South African Contingent military base in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), resulting in casualties and injuries among the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, according to spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini.
The RSA Contingent is part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which aims to support and assist the DRC government in establishing peace, security, and stability in the region.
Dlamini confirmed that as a result of the indirect fire incident, two SANDF soldiers lost their lives, and three others sustained injuries. The injured soldiers were promptly transported to the nearest hospital in Goma for medical treatment.
“The RSA Contingent is part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) that is deployed to support and assist the government of DRC in its effort to bring peace, security and stability in that region.
“As a result of this indirect fire, the SANDF suffered two fatalities and three members sustained injuries,” Siphiwe Dlamini said.
While details surrounding the incident remain limited, Dlamini stated that further investigations will be conducted to determine the circumstances leading to the attack.
“Details of this incident are still sketchy at the moment; further investigation will be conducted to determine the basis of the incident.”
South Africa has deployed nearly 3,000 soldiers to the conflict-ridden eastern DRC, where thousands of people have been displaced due to the advances made by M23 rebels, who have captured key towns in the region. Concerns of a wider regional conflict have arisen amid accusations of Rwanda’s support for the rebels.
In response to the insurgency, the SANDF will collaborate with DRC security forces as part of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) military intervention in the country. The operation is estimated to cost over R2 billion, as stated by the Presidency.
