By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has confirmed that South African embassy staff and students who are based in Russia are safe following a terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall.
More than 130 bodies have been recovered from the rubble and more than 100 people were injured on Friday.
“The South African Embassy staff in Moscow, including local recruited personnel, are all accounted for. All South African students that we know of in Moscow are safe. The South African government condemns this attack and all acts of terror.
“Condolences to the families of the victims and we wish the injured a speedy recovery. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates,” the department’s spokesperson Clayson Monyela said in a tweet on social media platform X.
Monyela further said SA condemns the incident and all acts of terror.
In one of viral video footages, two masked assailants can be seen entering the hall before opening fire on the crowd.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to call Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in the next few days to convey South Africa’s condolences.
Through a message on Telegram channel, Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the dreadful incident.
Russia announced the arrest of four people for the attack, with President Putin vowing to punish all those behind the incident.