The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed that the repatriation of 14 soldiers who died, in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been delayed. The bodies of the fallen soldiers and those who had been injured were expected to arrive in Pretoria on Wednesday.

While the SANDF has not yet explained what the exact reason for said delay is, the return of the remains appears to be hindered by access difficulties in Goma, which is controlled by the M23.

The 14 SANDF soldiers died while fighting rebels in the DRC last month.

“All administrative processes were completed and handed over to the United Nations. The United Nations planned movement for the repatriation of the deceased out of the combat zone has been delayed,” said the SANDF’s Simphiwe Dlamini.

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