Remains of South Africans who lost their lives in the Afriqiyah air crash have been repatriated home.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation wishes to confirm that the mortal remains of the South African citizens who perished in the air crash of AFRIQIYAH Air flight 771 near Tripoli on 12 May 2010, have all been identified and (their mortal remains) repatriated.  The speed with which this was done was made possible due to intergovernmental cooperation with the Disaster Victim Identification Authority of the Netherlands and the significant role played by INTERPOL, facilitated by the South African Police.  Most identifications were possible through primary identification, i.e. fingerprints and dental records.  The Department remains in contact with the next-of-kin to render follow-up consular assistance.  Our condolences go out to the families.

For more information, please contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 1647 or email him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria, RSA
0001

24 June 2010