Question NW367 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
02 March 2023 - NW367
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether the following reports of the SA National Defence Force team deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo being attacked, and the Oryx helicopter being shot at (details furnished), she will furnish Mr Hlengwa with an update of investigations undertaken by her department into the specified matter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
As DIRCO, we received confirmation from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirming an incident where an Oryx helicopter came under fire in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, on 05 February 2023. A crew member, Sergeant Vusumuzi Joseph Mabena, was fatally shot. Major Omolemo Matlapeng suffered injuries but managed to continue flying the chopper and managed to land safely at Goma airport.
We believe that the investigation of the incident remains the responsibility of the SANDF, working with the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). DIRCO will be informed of the progress and outcomes once the investigation is completed and shared.