SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini says the loss of life is deeply regrettable, and every effort is being made to improve conditions for our soldiers.

Update@Noon

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has paid tribute to nine soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week, calling them gallant fighters who heroically halted the M23 rebels' advance on Goma. This comes amid calls for SA troops in DRC to be called back or withdrawn of their deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tragic losses have sparked criticism, with experts questioning the rationale behind deploying South African troops without sufficient support, including air cover. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini