President Jacob Zuma has confirmed that 13 South African soldiers have been killed and 27 others were wounded in clashes with rebels in the Central African Republic.
President Zuma said today that one soldier was still missing.
Meanwhile, the chief of the SA National Defence Force, lieutenant-general Solly Shoke, said about 200 soldiers fought a protracted battle on Saturday with around 3 000 rebels who had advanced on the capital Bangue on Saturday.
He said after more than 9-hours a ceasefire was reached with the rebels who later took over the capital.
Shoke also said two South African soldiers were wounded during a reconnaisance mission on Friday when they were ambushed by C-A-R rebels.
Shoke said South African soldiers have been providing training to the Central African Republic army since 2007.
Meanwhile, members of the Central African Republic's national football team will delay their return home in the aftermath of the rebel invasion.
The South African Football Association says the Central African Republic team is expected to leave on two flights, but will be heading for France and Cameroon.
