Pretoria - South Africa has extended its condolences to the families and nations of the nearly 800 Hajj pilgrims who died in a stampede.
“Acting President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of President Jacob Zuma and the Government and people of South Africa, extended heartfelt condolences to the families and nations of the nearly 800 Hajj pilgrims who have died in a stampede near the holy city of Mecca, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
The stampede occurred during a ritual on Thursday.
It is reported that the stampede was caused by the closure of two pathways leading to the sacred site.
While the South African government awaits information about the status of South African pilgrims, Acting President Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa's shared grief at this substantial loss of life. He also wished injured survivors a speedy recovery.
Acting President Ramaphosa said that for South Africans, the stampede was particularly tragic given its coincidence with Heritage Day, an occasion dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the nation and humanity at large. – SAnews.gov.za
