Pretoria – The search for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, who went missing during clashes with rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR) over the weekend, continues.
According to SANDF spokesperson, Brigadier General Xolani Mabanga, there is one body that was found and the identity of the person is unknown.
“We are still continuing with the search and rescue mission, while we are trying to establish the identity of the dead person found after the clashes,” he said.
President Jacob Zuma on Monday confirmed that 13 South African soldiers had been killed in clashes with the rebel alliance known as Seleka in CAR. The battle left 27 soldiers injured.
The rebels reached the outskirts of CAR capital, Bangui, late on Saturday and seized the presidential palace on Sunday -- a move which forced CAR President Francois Bozize to flee the country.
Mabanga said arrangements for the repatriation of the bodies of the SANDF members were ongoing.
Meanwhile, the United States Mission to South Africa has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.
They have also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
South Africa and the CAR signed a military cooperation agreement in 2007, which was renewed for a further five years in December 2012.
The agreement was to provide the CAR’s army with an array of military training, from infantry, artillery and Special Forces training to logistics and driving courses, as well as the refurbishment of military infrastructure in Bouar and Bangui. – SAnews.gov.za
