LIMPOPO – Louis Calvin Moagi from Moraraleng village in Ga-Sekororo under the Maruleng Local Municipality was laid to rest on Sunday, February 23 at Khudu Sports Ground in Lorraine village.

He is one of the soldiers who was killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Louis was a member of a peacekeeping force in the city of Goma when the South African troops were attacked by a rebel group. In total 14 South African soldiers were killed during the attack of which three are from the Mopani district.

Monageng Moagi, the family spokesperson and also Louis’ uncle said that they now feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.

“We have waited long enough for his remains to be brought back and it is a very emotional moment for us. Like I have always said, Louis was a kind and loving person, and he was the youngest of those who were killed in the DRC.

He was a bubbly person, and in his troop, they called him “Moruti”. One of the soldiers who is still in the DRC, called to pay respect and said Louis will be missed, and his personality is what gained him the nickname,” Moagi said.

One of his siblings Keabetswe Moagi said that her brother was a provider for the family.

Read more: Maruleng soldier killed in DRC peacekeeping mission

“He was someone who encouraged people to take education seriously and always strive to do their best. He really was involved in our lives, and when he left for DRC, I did not know that he would only come back in a coffin. I am heartbroken because I talked to him before he died, and he was looking forward to see my child as they had not yet met, and the fact that that cannot happen is heartbreaking. He would call and ask me if I was already applying to universities or if I need application money. I will forever remember him through his daughter Louisa as she looks exactly like him,” she said.

Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC Basikopo Makamu expressed profound sadness at the loss of eight soldiers from the province.

He said the soldiers were brave and dedicated to serving their country.

“In this moment of sorrow, we want you to know that the entire province is grieving with you. We are profoundly saddened by the loss of eight of our own. These brave men showed the spirit of service and sacrifice, embodying the values that our province holds dear. Their courage and dedication to protect our nation will never be forgotten.”

SANDF Lieutenant General Malungisa Sitshongaye said that the death of the 14 soldiers calls for reflection and change.

“There is definitely a need for us to reflect in terms of our strategies, but at the same time we need to also ask the government and society to support the SANDF, because we cannot do anything, as we are not deploying ourselves, we are deployed by the government, so whatever we do in the form of strategy we involve the government and the state.”