The SANDF has moved to clarify the status of its Oryx helicopters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

This comes after media reports suggested the Oryx helicopters are likely to remain permanently stranded in the DRC, as there is no money to replace two of the five engines.

“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) wishes to clarify that none of its Oryx helicopters are abandoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as alleged by some media sources,” it said.

In a statement yesterday, the SANDF said such allegations are misleading and do not reflect the actual condition or status of SANDF aircraft.

“Out of the three helicopters reported, only one sustained damage during the United Nations peacekeeping military operations last year, and it will undergo repairs. The other helicopters are operational and remain under the strict control of the SANDF.

“The SANDF reaffirms that all its Oryx helicopters are being maintained in accordance with technical and safety requirements,” the statement read.

In June, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga welcomed the return of 249 South African troops who had been deployed to the eastern DRC as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).

The first group of SANDF soldiers arrived at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria from Tanzania, following South Africa’s phased withdrawal from the regional peacekeeping mission.

Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with the M23 rebel group, as fighting in the Goma region escalated.

The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from January 23 to 27 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.

The South African soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security and stability in Africa’s second-largest country. – SAnews.gov.za

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