Soldiers' families suffering

WAITING GAME: WHEN WILL THE BODIES RETURN IS THE QUESTION NO-ONE CAN ANSWER

- Masoka Dube

The family of Corporal Matome Justice Malesa, one of the soldiers killed in a battle with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently, is worried about the delay in the repatriation process of his body.

The soldiers are part of the South African Development Community peacekeeping mission team fighting the Rwanda-backed rebels who are trying to topple the DRC government.

Family spokesperson Mpho Monyela said Malesa's relatives were struggling to deal with the fact that it was not clear when the bodies of those killed would be returned to SA.

"The authorities tell us that we will only receive the body when the situation is calm in DRC."

"Since we officially received the news of his passing on Saturday, it has been hard for us, especially his wife and three children."

"We appeal to the government to make sure they give the necessary support to the remaining soldiers and get them home alive."