The Department of Home Affairs today, Friday, 8 July 2011 confirms a stampede at its Marabastad Refugee Reception Office in Pretoria on Wednesday, 6 July 2011.
According to reports, foreign nationals awaiting assistance at the office attempted to rush through the gates when they were opened to allow more clients in to be assisted.This resulted in the injury of 14 foreign nationals.
Ten were treated immediately by paramedics and found to have no serious injuries.
In the meantime, four foreign nationals who sustained more serious injuries were taken to hospital by the paramedics.They have all since been released and have had the necessary permits issued to them to enable them to remain in the country.
The Department regrets the stampede at its offices and wishes those wounded a speedy recovery. The Department will embark on further investigations to determine the conditions which led to the stampede with a view to ensuring there is no recurrence of such an incident in our offices
Enquiries:
Manusha Pillia
Cell: 082 389 3587
