The South African Armed Forces deny allegations that two soldiers have surrendered to M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Reports in the South African press said that two soldiers were taken hostage by M23 rebels in the company of Malawian soldiers.

A report released today, Thursday (04), by Radio Mozambiquee, the spokesman for the South African armed forces, Siphiwe Dlamini, assured that all the soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo are under the command of the SADC mission.

"The Armed Forces, whenever justified, will inform the public about the security situation of soldiers deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo," he added.