SA hostages trapped in hotel
2008-11-27 17:56
Johannesburg - Seven South Africans are still trapped in the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai, India, following the terrorist attacks that left over 100 people dead, the foreign affairs department said on Thursday.
"Seven [South African Airways] crew are still trapped in the Oberoi hotel. Seven others including the three pilots are safe. Two Sars officials are also safe," said spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa.
He said the government was in contact with those still inside the hotel.
SAA earlier sent an aircraft to Mumbai to pick up its crew and the South Africans.
The plane was due to land in Mumbai at 23:30 [Mumbai time]. SAA chief executive Khaya Ngqula said he was greatly relieved that all crew members in Mumbai had been located.
"We are now working to ensure that we bring them, and our passengers, back to South Africa safely," he said.
SAA had been informed that Mumbai's airport remained secure and safe. Foreign news agencies reported that teams of gunmen stormed hotels, a restaurant, a train station and hospitals in co-ordinated attacks in Mumbai, India's financial capital, taking westerners hostage.
A group of suspected Muslim militants had claimed responsibility for the attacks.
South Africans can contact the foreign affairs consular section in Pretoria on 012-351-1000 regarding their relatives in Mumbai.
Meanwhile President Kgalema Motlanthe joined world leaders in extending South Africa's heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, in particular to those families who lost loved ones.
"The government has expressed its outright condemnation of the attacks," said Mamoepa.
- SAPA