SA keeping a close eye on escalating conflict in DRC

By Simon Nare

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has refuted claims that South African soldiers on a peace mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo have run out of ammunition and food following a gun battle with M23 rebels that left 13 SA soldiers dead.

Addressing journalists during the Cabinet lekgotla in Pretoria on Wednesday, she said she had visited SA National Defence Force troops in Goma in the eastern DRC.

The minister said she spoke to soldiers and generals in charge of the operations and none of them raised issues about ammunition and food.

“I personally went to Goma and I got a briefing from all the generals. At no stage did the generals I spoke to say they had run out of ammunition or food,” Motshekga said.

She added that after a 48-hour battle, SANDF troops were reinforced with additional ammunition and other neighbouring countries who were part of