The Presidency deeply regrets the tragic loss of life in these recent incidents, as one life lost is simply one too many. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected.
To clarify the facts surrounding these events, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will engage the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that the information before them is both accurate and reliable. The engagements will outline in detail how this complex matter is being addressed by the South African government.
Most notably, the WHO's characterization of the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals is, unfortunately, incorrect. The events that led to the deaths of these Ethiopian nationals fall within the realm of organized crime, as has already been publicly reported, and are being actively investigated by law enforcement agencies.
With regard to the Mozambican nationals, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has stated that this matter is also currently under active investigation.
President Ramaphosa and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration have been unequivocal in their stance: only duly authorized law enforcement officials have the mandate to enforce the law.
Media inquiries:
Vincent Magwenya
Spokesperson to the President
E-mail: media@presidency.gov.za
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