This was the scene at the base camp of the South African military in the Central African Republic on Tuesday – a base abandoned after the bitter battle which left 13 South African soldiers dead.
Those slain were all members of the SANDF’s 1 Parachute Battalion in Bloemfontein.
They were killed during an epic 18-hour firefight on Saturday, when 200 South African troops clashed with 3 000 rebels advancing on Bangui, the capital of the CAR.
The soldiers’ names were released on Tuesday. They are:
* Corporal Mokgadi Darius Seakamela;
* Corporal Ntebaleng Andrew Mogorosi;
* Lance Corporal Daniel Sello Molara;
* Lance Corporal Lukas Mohapi Tsheke;
* Rifleman Lesego Maxwell Hertzog;
* Rifleman Zamani Jim Mxhosana;
* Rifleman Xolani Dlamini;
* Rifleman Vusumzi Joseph Ngaleka;
* Rifleman Karabo Edwin Matsheka;
* Rifleman Maleisane Samuel Thulo;
* Rifleman Khomotso Paul Msenga;
* Rifleman Motsamai William Bojane;
* Rifleman Thabiso Anthon Phirimana.
Sapa reports that the bodies of the 13 soldiers were flown to South Africa on Tuesday night.
After pictures of the abandoned base were syndicated by Reuters on Tuesday night, the SANDF declined to comment on the whereabouts of the troops.
“That borders on the security of the people on the ground. I would not like to comment on that,” said defence force spokesman Brigadier-General Xolani Mabanga.
Unconfirmed reports said the contingent were at an air base that was being protected by French forces.
The Reuters photos show abandoned structures with Vembezela logos. Operation Vembezela has been the official name for South Africa’s military training assistance to the CAR since 2007.
“In addition, the SANDF would like to report that the member who was reported missing in action has been found alive and is in good spirits,” said Mabanga.
The man’s name and those of the injured were not released.
Several of the dead soldiers’ comrades from a unit in Gauteng said on Tuesday that they were saddened and angered by the deaths of their colleagues.
“It can happen to any of us. Their deaths were unnecessary,” said one of the soldiers, who did not want to be named.
Another soldier said the CAR was a dangerous country.
“There is a volatile situation there – why did the government send them there to die?
“This is a sad situation because their families will suffer. I know they will get money, but the compensation is not good enough. They died painfully,” he said.
They said some of their colleagues were currently in the DRC.
“We pray for them to be safe even though the situation there is not as volatile as the CAR. We will never forget what happened to our colleagues in the CAR because tomorrow it could be some of us. Their families need our support,” said one colleague.
Mabanga said the CAR rebels regretted the action which led to the deaths of the South African troops.
“On Sunday morning the leaders of the rebels came to the base and discussed what happened on the ground, and they regretted exchanging fire with SANDF soldiers.
“Since then, there hasn’t been any threatening situation against the SANDF. We are not taking anything lightly and are taking all precautionary measures to ensure SANDF members are safe on the ground,” Mabanga added.