Maluleke was on his second deployment to the DRC when he was killed in clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese military in the town of Goma over two weeks ago.

The remains of the soldiers were handed over to their families at a memorial service led by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Air Force Base Swartkop in Pretoria on Thursday.

In Hlaniki village outside Giyani, the bereaved Maluleke family and mourners are awaiting the arrival of the mortal remains. The body is expected this morning, with some mourners busy with preparations and chores. SANDF vehicles are also present in the area.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--