South Africa Sends Pathologists to Cameroon Following Kenya Airline Crash

Douala - 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.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

13 May 2007