Soldiers from the 6 South African Infantry Battalion were not involved in clashes with rebel forces in the Central African Republic last weekend that left 13 South African soldiers dead.
Soldiers from the 6 South African Infantry Battalion were not involved in clashes with rebel forces in the Central African Republic last weekend that left 13 South African soldiers dead.
The skirmishes, in which 13 South African soldiers were killed, 27 wounded and one remained missing, erupted on the eve of the departure of troops from the Grahamstown-based unit.
Officials from 6SAI who did not want to be named said troops are set to leave for CAR neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Monday.
They will first travel to Bloemfontein, from where they will be dispatched on a peacekeeping mission in the conflict-torn region.
Tensions escalated in the CAR as President François Bozize fled the country when Seleka rebels stormed the capital city of Bangui on Saturday and around 1 000 rebels assaulted SANDF positions on the outskirts of the city.
The conflict lasted throughout the day, with sporadic fire being exchanged until dawn.
The 200-strong SANDF managed to hold the rebels at bay until a ceasefire could be negotiated on Sunday morning.
Seven of the 27 wounded have been flown back to South Africa for critical medical care.
One soldier is missing in action and search and rescue efforts are under way.
The SANDF released the names of the dead soldiers late on Tuesday afternoon.
"The minister of defence and military veterans, chief of the SANDF, chief of joint operations and chief of the South African Army wish to extend their sincerest condolences to friends and families of the deceased," a statement said.
The names of the soldiers who are known to have died in the conflict are as follows:
- Corporal Mokgadi Darius Seakamela
- Corporal Ntebaleng Andrew Mogorosi
- Lance Corporal Daniel Sello Molara
- Lance Corporal Lukas Mohapi Tsheke
- Rifleman Lesego Maxwell Hertzog
- Rifleman Zamani Jim Mxhosana
- Rifleman Xolani Dlamini
- Rifleman Vusumzi Joseph Ngaleka
- Rifleman Karabo Edwin Matsheka
- Rifleman Khomotso Paul Msenga
- Rifleman Maleisane Samuel Thulo
- Rifleman Motsamai William Bojane
- Rifleman Thabiso Anthon Phirimana
