Hajj stampede: SA sends condolences
The South African presidency on Thursday extended its condolences to those who had lost loved ones during the Hajj tragedy on the day.
“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 spokesperson Clayson Monyela.
The stampeded reportedly occurred in Street 204 in Mina just outside of Mecca. The Mina region is where the pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone walls in a ritual known as the stoning of the devil.
Between 700 and 800 people were reported dead by early Thursday evening while more than 850 were reported injured and had been rushed to hospitals.
However, it was not yet known if any of the many South African pilgrims were caught in the stampede.
He also extended the presidency’s wish for a speedy recovery to all survivors.
“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,” said Monyela.