Fallen soldier’s family calls on government to speed up repatriation process.
The Moagi family in Sekororo, Limpopo, has called on the South African Defence Force (SANDF) to speedily process the repatriation of nine soldiers killed on duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Louis Calvin Moagi (29) was one of the nine soldiers who lost their lives in that country following a confrontation with the M23 rebel group on Friday, 24 January.
Speaking to Daily Sun, family spokesman Selemela Moagi said they want their son’s remains back to enable them to give him a dignified send-off.
Louis, who joined the SANDF in 2018, has been described as his community’s role model and breadwinner.
“We last saw Calvin in January 2024. He was from Mozambique and moving to the DRC. He leaves behind big shoes to fill in. He was every child’s role model in our community, and a breadwinner at home.
“He leaves behind a three-year-old baby. Everyone in the family looked up to him,” said Selemela.
Calvin’s younger siblings’ future also hangs in the balance as he was to fund their tertiary education.
“He took the role of a father-figure for his siblings after the passing of his dad. One of his younger sisters Keabetswe Moagi (18) has just passed matric and Louis had promised to fund her tertiary studies.
“We’re devastated. His mum Molobedu Moagi is inconsolable as we speak,” said Moagi.
“At this point, we’re not sure when they’ll repatriate their bodies since the fight is still on and has intensified. We call on government to withdraw South Africans soldiers from that country. They’re not safe. Government doesn’t seem to care.”
On Sunday, 26 January, the Joint Committee on Defence released a media statement, stating the following among other things.
Phiroane Phala, who is the co-chairman of the committee, said: “It’s important that we get a full briefing from the Minister (Angie Motshekga), contacting the secretary of defence and chief of the SANDF, not only on the incident but also on the mission and the availability of adequate equipment for SANDF members deployed in the DRC.”
