Eight South African nationals have died in the bomb attack in Afghanistan capital, Kabul.(REUTERS)
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The Department of International Affairs and Cooperation has released the names of the eight South Africans who were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday. Arrangements are underway for the repatriation of their remains.
International Relations says it is working with the private aviation company that had employed the deceased, as well as with the authorities in Afghanistan to assist the victims' families.
The names are; Christian Johannes Justus Pretorius, Fraser Angus Carey, Brandon Quinn Booth, Johan Abraham van Huyssteen, Johan Frederick Bouchaud, Johannes Judenis Humphries, Steven Leong and Jenny Margaret Ayris.
The eight killed in the attack worked at the ACS/Balmoral office in its Kabul operation. The team operates charter helicopters carrying supplies and logistical material for various contractors in Afghanistan. An extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack in retaliation to an American film mocking the prophet Mohammed.
The attack near Kabul airport underscored growing anger in Afghanistan over the film.
International Affairs and Cooperation spokesperson, Nelson Kgwete says: “We are working with the authorities of Afghanistan through our mission in Pakistan to ensure the mortal remains are returned home as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, protests against the film continue. Hundreds of Afghan University students took to the streets in Jalalabad. They burnt a US flag and an effigy of the President Barack Obama.
The attack near Kabul airport underscored growing anger in Afghanistan over the film. There were also demonstrations in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
