_: On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma wishes to express his heartfelt and sincere condolences to the families, friends and communities of the eight South Africans who were victims of a suicide attack on a minibus this morning, 18 September 2012, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

“I am deeply saddened by the deaths of the South Africans, as well as the other lives that were lost during this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased,” President Zuma said.

Government efforts to confirm their identities and to contact their next-of-kin are continuing, and families are receiving support through the consular.