Airline crash
13 May 2007
The South African Government has dispatched a team of six pathologists to
Douala, Cameroon to assist with the victim identification process following the
recent Kenya Airlines crash which killed 114 passengers and crew members.
The team of pathologists, led by South African Police Services Expert
Inspector Leone Ras, left Oliver Tambo International Airport on Saturday, 12
May, and is expected to begin its work today, Sunday, 13 May 2007.
In this regard, the South African team of pathologists is expected to assist
the Cameroonian and Kenyan authorities with victim verification as part of
efforts to help families of the victims identify their loved ones and to find
closure.
The process, initiated by South Africa's Ambassador to Cameroon Dr SS
Ripinga in consultation with the Cameroonian authorities, is a step in the
process of repatriating the mortal remains of all victims, including South
Africans who were on board, back to their home countries to be laid to
rest.
The Government reiterates President Thabo Mbeki's message of condolences to
all families who lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. Indeed as
President Mbeki said "as the Cameroonian authorities begin the process of
retrieving the mortal remains of these victims, we can only imagine the pain
and sorrow of the bereaved families."
Accordingly, and once more the thoughts and prayers of all South Africans
reach out to all bereaved families during these difficult moments of their
lives.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
13 May 2007
