Cabinet extends condolences

2010-08-05 19:26

Cape Town - Cabinet has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the 23 elderly people who died as a result of a fire at an old age home in Ekurhuleni at the weekend.

Briefing the media on Thursday - following Cabinet's regular fortnightly meeting on Wednesday - government spokesperson Themba Maseko said the decision by the social development department to inspect all old age homes was welcomed.

The fire occurred at the Pieter Wessels old age home in Dunnottar, Nigel, on Sunday night.

Maseko said Cabinet also condemned the cold-blooded murder of two children and the merciless killing of their mother in Pretoria last week.

"Cabinet expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the Mashao family for their tragic loss on the eve of women's month. Those responsible must be brought to book," he said.

The bodies of a 4-year-old girl and her 8-month-old sister were found in their house at Theresa Park last Friday while the mother's body was found in the veld in Ga Rankuwa on Sunday.

The meeting also paid tribute to the late Cheryl Gillwald, the former deputy justice and correctional services minister, who passed away on July 22.

A memorial service would be held on Friday August 6 at Roedean School in Parktown, he said.

- SAPA