FS bids farewell to three soldiers killed in DRC

By Emily Setona

PAUL ROUX – Funeral services with full military honours were held for the fallen SANDF heroes. Rifleman Mabele’s service took place at the local stadium in Paul Roux, where family, friends, and military personnel gathered to pay their final respects on Saturday February 22, 2025.

Speaker after speaker described Mabele as a man who was prepared to fight for his country and being a soldier was his childhood dream, and he died exactly doing that in DRC.

He was also described as a community developer who established a soccer team in his small town of PaulRoux.

His uncle Andres Mabele described him as a disciplined person.

“When he grew up he always wanted to be a soldier and after completing his Grade 12 he applied to become a soldier and in january he went to find job in one of the local shops and he succeeded and was told he must start the following day but on arrival home he also received a letter from South Africa National Defence Force. He went back to the store and apologised for not being able to continue with them as he had got his dream job of being a solider.”

His fellow Rifleman Mobe was laid to rest in Botshabelo, with a ceremony attended by community members and officials. Staff Sergeant Molahlehi’s funeral in Thaba-Nchu also saw a significant turnout, reflecting the community’s collective mourning.

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoho-Mathae attended funeral of Rifleman Mabele while Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi represented the premier at the funeral of Rifleman Mobe.

These tragic events have ignited a national conversation about the dangers faced by South African troops deployed in conflict zones across Africa.

The SANDF has been actively involved in peacekeeping operations in the DRC under the auspices of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO), aiming to stabilize the region amidst ongoing rebel conflicts.

Before premier Letsoha-Mathae delivered her State of the Province Address (SOPA) held at Lemo Mall Green Park in Bloemfontein on February 21, 2025, the Speaker of the Free State Legislature Mxolisi Dukwana requested guests to observe a moment of silence in honour of the fallen heroes.

In her speech, the premier highlighted the bravery and dedication of the fallen soldiers, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace. She reiterated the province’s commitment to supporting military families and ensuring that the valour of these soldiers is honoured appropriately.

“As the province mourns, there is a renewed call for recognition of the sacrifices made by those serving in foreign missions and a collective commitment to supporting their families left behind.

“The Free State province is united in grief following the tragic loss of three South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers during a peacekeeping mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).”

Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, accompanied by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), visited the bereaved families to offer condolences and support.