The government has said the process of identifying Malawians among the fatalities from last week’s fire accident in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been difficult due to the extreme damage caused by the fire.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson John Kabaghe has confirmed the development, adding that some of those who survived are still in critical condition at healthcare service facilities and are, for now, unable to identify themselves.
“To date, only nine bodies have been identified as Malawians through collaboration with respective family members. Of these, eight were buried in Johannesburg by September 3 2023, in line with Muslim burial rites since the victims were Muslims,” Kabaghe said
The Malawi High Commission in South Africa is working with South African authorities to identify other Malawian fatalities from the fire but the process is expected to take time.
Meanwhile, the media liaison specialist for the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Lelethu Ndyamboti, has confirmed that fatalities from the fire accident in South Africa have increased to 77.
- Advertisement -
She has told The Daily Times that the building cannot be accessed at the moment as it is unsafe, and affected occupants who are looking to retrieve their belongings have been advised not to enter the building.
“For everyone’s safety, including affected occupants who are looking to retrieve their belongings, the building cannot be accessed at the moment as it is unsafe. The building will be sealed, with police patrols [included] for additional security,” Ndyamboti said.
She said no further investigations can take place until the city’s engineers have deemed the structure safe.
According to Ndyamboti, the building is sealed, with police patrolling the area.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Muslim cleric Sufiyani M’baraka of Revealed Masjid has confirmed that nine bodies of some of the Malawians that have been identified have been laid to rest.
