SANDF chief praises fallen soldiers

"The discipline and calibre of the SANDF members deployed in the CAR is highly commended and they are the real South African heroes.

"As the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, I want to praise the SANDF members for having conducted themselves valiantly in the face of overwhelming opposition," said Shoke.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, 25 March 2013, Shoke called on all South Africans of all races, political and religious denominations to give support to the families of the bereaved and heroic members of the SANDF, who fell while in action.

According to Shoke, the SANDF came under attack from the rebel alliance known as Seleka on the outskirts of Bangui.

"The SANDF fighting force of about 200 members faced a rebel force of more than 3 000 that advanced towards Bangui... This was a high tempo battle that took... more than 13 hours," he said.

The battle left 27 soldiers with injuries. According to General Shoke, only one soldier is unaccounted for and the search and rescue operation is still on.

All the injured personnel have been evacuated to 1 Military Hospital and are in a stable condition.

"Those who were slightly injured were given medical attention within the mission area and were able to carry on with their responsibilities," said Shoke.

Shoke said the rest of the force that is in the CAR is in a good state and is receiving all the support that they need.

Earlier, President Jacob Zuma expressed sadness on the loss of the 13 SANDF members.

"We are deeply saddened by the events and developments in that country (CAR) over the past 72 hours, which saw violence escalating and many innocent lives lost.

"We have confirmed that 13 of our brave soldiers, who were committed to fighting for peace and stability in Africa, fell in Bangui," said Zuma at a media briefing ahead of the Brics summit.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has sent condolences to the families of soldiers.

Nkoana-Mashabane called on African leaders to work together to curb coups and forge ahead with the development agendas of their respective countries.