Minister Dlamini Zuma calls 7 SAA Crew Members trapped in Mumbai

Pretoria – South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Thursday 27 November, telephoned the seven SAA crew members trapped in the Trident Hotel, which is attached to the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai, India.

The seven crew members were trapped in the hotel Trident since terrorist attacks in Mumbai on Wednesday 26 November, which left a number of people dead, others wounded while several others were taken hostage.

In this context, Minister Dlamini Zuma conveyed the thoughts and prayers of President Kgalema Motlanthe, the government and people of South Africa to the seven crew members. Minister Dlamini Zuma assured the seven crew members that the government is doing everything in its power to ensure their safe return to South Africa as soon as conditions permit.

The crew indicated to Minister Dlamini Zuma that despite their ordeal, they remain in good health. The crew members further expressed their gratitude to Minister Dlamini Zuma for the support they have so far received throughout their ordeal from members of the South African diplomatic corps and consular affairs based in Mumbai.

Minister Dlamini Zuma reiterates commitment of the government to continue to provide the necessary consular support to the 7 crew members and all other South Africans that were affected by the terrorist attacks.

The government reiterates the heartfelt condolences of President Motlanthe expressed on behalf of the government and people of South Africa to the government and people of India and in particular those families who lost their loved ones. Once more the South African Government joins the international community in expressing its outright condemnation of the terrorist attacks.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

28 November 2008.