Eight South Africans dead in terror attack in Afghanistan

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) - Eight South Africans were among those killed in Afghanistan when a suicide bomber rammed her car into a minivan travelling to Kabul airport, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation confirmed on Tuesday.

Afghan militants have claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was in retaliation for a film mocking the Prophet Mohammad.

The blasphemous film has seen violent protests throughout much of the Muslim world.  

A woman suicide bomber reportedly blew up a minivan near the airport in the Afghan capital and the Hezb-e-Islami insurgent group has claimed responsibility.

In addition to the South Africans, one other foreigner and one Afghan were killed in the attack.

It appears that the South African victims were members of a private aviation company.

South Africa’s official opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has extended its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims.

“We strongly condemn this terrorist attack and the violent protests that have preceded it. The perpetrators of such hateful crimes have no regard for the sanctity of human life – either their own or that of the innocent victims they take with them,” said DA MP Ian Davidson.

He called on the Minister of International Relations, Maite Mashabane, to condemn the violence vociferously and unequivocally.

“We call on her to use every platform at her disposal to advocate for the strengthening of democratic institutions in Afghanistan,” he added.
-0- PANA CU/SEG 18Sept2012