SA 'outraged' over India blasts

2006-07-11 19:57

Pretoria - South Africa has expressed outrage at the series of bomb blasts which killed at least 135 people and wounded 300 more on the rail network in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday.

"... We express our confidence that the Indian authorities will ensure that those responsible will face the consequences of their own actions," President Thabo Mbeki said in a message of support to India's President Abdul Kalam.

"During this difficult moment we join the people of India in their hour of bereavement while reaching out to those who lost their loved ones and wishing those wounded a speedy recovery," said Mbeki, who condemned the blasts.

Terrorists behind blasts

The seven explosions took place inside train compartments and on platforms near the Matunga, Mahim, Bandra, Khar, Jogeshwari, Borivali and Mira Road railway stations.

Indian police believed terrorists were behind the blasts, which they described as "co-ordinated" and "synchronised" to inflict maximum fatalities during the rush-hour when people were on their way home from work.

"... Please accept the heartfelt condolences of the government and people of South Africa," said Mbeki.

- SAPA