SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya informed the parliamentary joint standing committee on defence that the repatriation was initially scheduled for Wednesday.

In a brief statement issued by the SANDF, they confirmed that all administrative processes have been completed and handed over to the United Nations (UN). The UN is now responsible for the planned movement of the deceased out of the combat zone.

The situation in Eastern DRC remains dire, with the M23 rebels calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire after intense fighting has left hundreds of people dead. The region has experienced decades of instability due to ethnic tensions and conflicts over land and mineral resources.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--