Probe into toll of SA troops killed in CAR

[iolsa]

 

Johannesburg - The government will investigate international reports querying the death toll of South African soldiers in the Central African Republic (CAR), International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said on Thursday.

A French news agency reported that the rebels claim the number of South African soldiers killed in the Bangui battle was between 36 and 50. The South African government put the death toll at 13.

Nkoane-Mashabane said official statements indicated the situation in the CAR was chaotic.

“What I can say is that what was confirmed by United Nations and African Union representatives based in the Central African Republic is that in a coup situation there will be chaos, loss of life, and other unforeseen circumstances.

“We will verify the facts and come back to you if there is such a situation. At the moment, we have not received such reports,” she said.

Following a meeting of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) held in N'djamena, Chad, President Jacob Zuma revealed that South African troops would be pulling out of the CAR.

African leaders at the summit agreed not to recognise the CAR's new self-proclaimed leader Michel Djotodia.

Djotodia grabbed power on March 24 after a rapid assault on the CAR capital Bangui. - Sapa



IOLSA