{"id":105335,"date":"2025-02-27T21:32:15","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T19:32:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/two-pregnant-soldiers-among-200-south-african-troops-returned-from-drc"},"modified":"2025-02-28T00:34:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T22:34:11","slug":"two-pregnant-soldiers-among-200-south-african-troops-returned-from-drc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/two-pregnant-soldiers-among-200-south-african-troops-returned-from-drc","title":{"rendered":"Two Pregnant Soldiers Among 200 South African Troops Returned From DRC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. <\/strong><\/span>About 200 South African soldiers have returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).<\/p>\n

In an interview with SABC News, Pikkie Greeff, the national secretary of the SA National Defence Union (SANDU), said the group included three critically injured soldiers, along with others who were sick, wounded, or dealing with family issues, such as the death of a loved one.<\/p>\n

Two pregnant officers were part of the returning group. Greeff said that soldiers cannot remain in an operational area while pregnant, though it was unlikely they were deployed while pregnant due to mandatory medical tests before deployment.<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, 14 SA National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were killed, and many others were injured during clashes between M23 rebel forces and DRC government troops.<\/p>\n

Regarding the presence of South African soldiers in M23-controlled areas, Greeff revealed that sensitive negotiations were ongoing. Said Greeff, as quoted by TimesLive<\/b>:<\/p>\n

We know their food supply, electricity, water and so on is subject to M23 control because they\u2019re surrounded by them. They\u2019re basically blocked inside their bases. It\u2019s very frustrating and demoralising.<\/p>\n

I think the public should know our soldiers do have what it takes to sit it out. We\u2019ll see how the negotiations go. I\u2019m optimistic there will be a solution.<\/p>\n

SANDU expressed disappointment over the defence department\u2019s lack of clear communication, adding that even the affected soldiers are not regularly updated on the situation or what the authorities are doing on their behalf. Said Greeff:<\/p>\n

We understand it\u2019s sensitive and there\u2019s a fine line to be walked. There\u2019s so much uncertainty, especially with families and others asking questions that we feel that the department could have been a lot more expressive, reassuring the public that it is taking the necessary steps.<\/p>\n

The department remaining silent while questions mount by the day, it\u2019s not helpful for the trust the public has in the defence force, for the family members and the soldiers.<\/p>\n

The soldiers themselves aren\u2019t regularly updated on the situation and what the authorities are doing on their behalf.<\/p>\n

Over the weekend, 13 of the 14 SANDF soldiers killed in the DRC conflict were laid to rest in their hometowns.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. About 200 South African soldiers have returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In an interview with SABC News, Pikkie Greeff, the national secretary of the SA National Defence Union (SANDU), said the group included three critically injured soldiers, along with others who were sick, wounded, or dealing with family issues, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":105334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4],"tags":[12563,18056,17331,18055,19],"class_list":["post-105335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-community","tag-drc-war","tag-pregnant-soldiers","tag-south-african-soldiers","tag-south-african-soldiers-killed-in-drc","tag-zimbabwe"],"yoast_head":"\nTwo Pregnant Soldiers Among 200 South African Troops Returned From DRC - zimbabwe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"About 200 South African soldiers have returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 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