This past weekend marked a sombre moment for the nation as 14 fallen soldiers were laid to rest in their hometowns.
The Free State’s three soldiers were laid to rest, with a dignified farewell, honoured by the South African Defence Force, the provincial government, family, and their communities.
Bloemfontein Courant attended the funerals of the two local soldiers, Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe (22/02) and Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi (23/02). Military tributes and solemn chants echoed through the proceedings, paying homage to their ultimate sacrifice.
Company Commander at 1 Parachute Battalion based in Tempe, Captain Thapelo Selowa, who worked with both soldiers in his unit, said it is a sad time despite the soldiers being prepared for the eventualities.
“The highest respect you can have is to serve in the South African Defence Force because we want to serve and defend the Constitution of the Republic. We have to send the last respects because an unfortunate moment happened where we lost them, but we will remember them,” he said.
The soldiers lost their lives in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in January on a peacekeeping mission. The handover ceremony of the mortal remains of the fallen soldiers took place at the Air Force Base in Swartkop on 13 February.
Gypseenia Lion
