Family of SA soldier says they haven’t heard from him since some colleagues killed in DRC! A South African family is anxiously awaiting news of their loved one, a soldier deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after reports emerged that several of his colleagues were killed in combat.
The situation has left them deeply concerned, with fears mounting over the fate of troops stationed in the war-torn region.
Missing Soldier’s Family Speaks Out
Caroline Kordom, from Saron in the Western Cape, has spoken out about her growing distress over the lack of communication with her nephew, a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployed in Goma, eastern DRC.
Kordom last spoke to her nephew on Monday before news surfaced that 13 SANDF soldiers had been killed in clashes with M23 rebels. Since then, she and her family have been unable to reach him, leaving them in an agonizing state of uncertainty.
“We are not hearing anything from them, so we want them to withdraw our soldiers,” Kordom told EWN. “There was another lady, she was in Goma yesterday [Monday] morning, and she sent a text message that they are surrounded by the M23.”
Her comments reflect a growing sense of fear and frustration among the families of deployed soldiers, who feel that their loved ones are facing unnecessary danger in a conflict that appears to be escalating.
Escalating Violence in Goma
The situation in the DRC has worsened over the past week, with intense fighting between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group. The South African troops, who are part of a United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission, have found themselves caught in the crossfire.
The 13 confirmed SANDF casualties mark one of the deadliest incidents for South African forces in recent years. The soldiers were reportedly engaged in combat when mortar fire struck their base, leading to the tragic loss of life.
In addition to the loss of South African troops, the violence has had a devastating impact on civilians in the region. Reports indicate that thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes as fighting intensifies.
DRC Calls for UN Action
With the humanitarian crisis worsening, the DRC government has appealed to the international community for urgent intervention.
The country’s finance minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, addressed an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, emphasizing the dire need for action.
“It is now time for the Security Council to act,” Wagner stated. “Millions have been displaced, with restricted access to food, water, and electricity security. Countless lives have been lost. Enough is enough.”
Her statement underscores the severity of the crisis, as the number of displaced people in the region has now surpassed half a million since the start of 2025. The conflict has not only claimed lives but also left thousands vulnerable, struggling to survive under deteriorating conditions.
Calls for SANDF Withdrawal
Back in South Africa, the debate over the country’s military involvement in the DRC is intensifying. Many citizens are questioning whether South African troops should continue their deployment, given the escalating violence and rising death toll.
Families of soldiers, like Kordom’s, are urging the government to reconsider its role in the peacekeeping mission. They argue that the safety of South African troops should be the top priority, and continuing the mission under such dangerous conditions may lead to further casualties.
The SANDF, however, has not yet announced any plans for withdrawal. Military officials maintain that their presence is crucial for stabilizing the region, but as tensions rise and the number of casualties grows, pressure on the government to reassess its commitment is likely to increase.
What Happens Next?
For now, families like Kordom’s can do little but wait for news about their loved ones. The lack of communication has only deepened their anxiety, as they hope for reassurance that their relatives are safe.
Meanwhile, the South African government faces tough decisions regarding its military involvement in the DRC. With mounting calls for withdrawal and increasing security concerns, officials must weigh the risks of continued deployment against the mission’s objectives.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Goma, where the fate of many South African soldiers—and countless civilians—hangs in the balance.
