Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRESS STATEMENT
The Department of Foreign Affairs has received confirmation from the South African High Commission in Maputo regarding an attack on the car of two South African citizens on the road between Maputo and Xai-Xai in Mozambique.
A South African couple, Mr and Mrs Moses Twala from Temba near Pretoria were attacked about 27 kilometres north of Maputo on the north/south road from Maputo to Xai-Xai on 15 March 1996. Mr Twala was fatally wounded and Mrs Twala is in the Intensive Care ward at the Maputo Hospital. They were robbed of their car and all their documents. According to a Mozambican motorist that brought the couple to the Maputo Hospital, it was clear that the intention was to highjack their car. He added that contrary to other attacks on the road which normally take place after dark, this incident happened during broad daylight.
The Department of Foreign Affairs urges motorists to keep the following safety measures in mind:
- Relatives and/or friends should be kept informed of travel routes and expected times of arrival. - Avoid crossing the border to Mozambique after 15h00. - Do not travel at night. - Avoid travelling alone and if possible travelling should be done in convoy with other vehicles - Drivers should remain alert and avoid suspicious circumstances which may be encountered along their route.
The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to sympathise with the victims and their families. The Departments of Foreign Affairs and the North West Provincial Government are assisting with the emergency evacuation of Mrs Twala from Maputo for specialised medical treatment in South Africa. South Africa will continue its efforts in assisting with joint law enforcement initiatives in both countries, as reflected in the close cooperation that exist in the safeguarding of the road between Komatipoort and Maputo.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA
19 March 1996