The second group of injured South African National Defense Force (SANDF) soldiers arrived safely in South Africa on Wednesday, after being wounded during their deployment to the conflict-ridden Democratic Rebuplic of the Congo last month.

On Tuesday, the first group of soldiers were repatriated from the region, as they needed critical medical care sooner due to the severity of their injuries.

According to the South African National Defence Force, the soldiers are being categorised as critical, non-critical, and those who require psychological and social intervention.

The SANDF reiterated its commitment to the welfare of the country’s soldiers.

“We therefore urge the public to respect and afford privacy to our members and their families during the healing process.”

Last month 14 soldiers died during conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s city of Goma by M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda. According to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, the SANDF soldiers were not in direct battle with the rebels when their base was attacked, but the battle was being carried out overhead.

The bodies of the soldiers who lost their lives in the region were repatriated and handed over to their families earlier this month, following weeks of delays.

According to the defence force, the fallen soldiers have been laid to rest at their respective birthplaces during the course of the month, receiving military honour funeral services.

On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he would not be officiating or celebrating Armed Forces Day, on the 21st of February. This is in light of the deaths of the 14 South African soldiers.

Of the 14, the youngest army member was 28-years-old and the oldest of the group was 53-years-old. Armed Forces Day, an annual celebration, was suspended this year in light of the tragedy.

READ MORE: Fallen SANDF soldiers laid to rest with full military honours