South African govt say 67 of its citizens died in Synagogue building collapse

South African president, Jacob Zuma announced today that 67 of
its citizens died in the Synagogue building collapse that occurred
on September 12th. The South Africans were in Nigeria to seek
spiritual help and were staying at the guest house before it
collapsed. Read the full statement from President Zuma......
 
I am greatly saddened to announce that 67 South Africans died
and scores of others sustained injuries, after a building at the
Synagogue Church of All Nations collapsed on Friday, 12
September 2014, in Lagos, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This is a particularly difficult time for South Africa. Not in the
recent history of our country have we had this large number of
our people die in one incident outside the country. Our thoughts
are with the families, friends and colleagues that have lost their
loved ones in this heart-breaking tragedy. The whole nation
shares the pain of the mothers, fathers, daughters and sons who
have lost their loved ones. We are all in grief. As we mourn this
sudden and tragic death of our fellow compatriots, I have directed
the relevant Government departments and entities to act with the
utmost urgency to ensure that we facilitate the movement of
relevant family members to Nigeria to identify the bodies of their
loved ones and to ensure that we repatriate the remains as soon
as possible under the circumstances.
I would like to take this opportunity also to thank all family
members and friends who have provided information to
Government, which information has assisted the South African
High Commission in Nigeria in its efforts to locate our fellow
citizens. I would also like to commend all affected families for
their patience and resolve during this very painful period. On
behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, I would
like to thank the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for
their support during this difficult time. We also send our sincere
condolences to the people of Nigeria and all other nations
affected by this tragedy. I would like to assure all affected
families that the Government will provide all the necessary
support. Government will keep the public informed of
developments around this tragedy. May the souls of the departed
compatriots rest in peace. I thank you. Issued by: the Presidency
Pretoria