The South African government has expressed condolences following the death of a Malawian national during the repatriation operation, saying all police and forensic procedures were conducted before the journey resumed.
Image: Supplied
The South African government has expressed its condolences following the death of a Malawian national during the ongoing repatriation operation, saying all necessary police and forensic procedures were followed before the remaining passengers were allowed to continue their journey home.
This comes after a Malawian national died after falling ill on a Malawi-bound bus that had departed the repatriation processing centre during the ongoing repatriation operation.
In a statement issued by Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi on behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, government said it had noted, "with deep sadness, the passing of a Malawian national during the ongoing repatriation operation."
"On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, loved ones, fellow travellers and the Government and people of the Republic of Malawi during this difficult time," the statement said.
Government said preliminary reports indicated that the deceased was among passengers aboard a Malawi-bound bus that had departed the repatriation processing centre.
Approximately 10 kilometres from the centre, the passenger died, prompting the driver to turn the bus around and return to the processing centre.
"Upon return of the bus to the centre, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was immediately called to the scene to conduct the requisite police procedures, including forensic examination, in line with standard protocols governing sudden and unexplained deaths," the statement said.
Government said it wished to reassure the deceased's family, the Malawian authorities and the public that all necessary processes had been undertaken "with the utmost professionalism, dignity and respect for the deceased."
It said that following the completion of the police and forensic processes, the bus was formally released by SAPS and departed the scene at midnight, allowing the remaining passengers to continue their journey to Malawi.
Government said the circumstances surrounding the incident would be communicated to the Malawian authorities through the appropriate diplomatic channels and that it stood ready to provide any support required to assist the deceased's family.
"Once again, we extend our sincere sympathies to the family of the deceased and to the Government and people of Malawi," the statement said.
IOL News