Republic of Congo (DRC) following car accident
12 February 2009
Pretoria: Two South African government officials on official duty in the
Democratic Republic of Congo were killed early on Thursday, 12 February when
their car collided with a truck on the road to Kinshasa.
The two officials were part of a group of nine South African Government
delegates from KwaZulu-Natal, which was visiting Bas Congo on official
government duties. Upon their return and on the road linking BasCongo and
Kinshasa, their official vehicle was involved in a collision with an oncoming
truck killing the two officials instantly.
The other seven officials were treated at the local hospital for injuries
and subsequently returned to Kinshasa. It is not clear what caused the
collision between the two vehicles. The South African Embassy in Kinshasa is
currently making the necessary arrangements for the repatriation of the mortal
remains of the deceased.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Premier of
KwaZulu-Natal, Sibusiso Ndebele extend the heartfelt condolences of the
government and people of South Africa to members of the bereaved families. In
this regard, the thoughts and prayers of the government and people of our
country reach out to those families who lost their loved ones in this tragic
accident.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
12 February 2009
Source: SAPA
