S. African citizens trapped in Mali after hotel attack

An unidentified number of South African citizens have been trapped in Mali after gunmen attacked a hotel frequented by foreigners in the town of Sevare, authorities confirmed on Friday.

Among the hostages are some South African citizens, according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

It did not provide the exact number.

Militants attacked the hotel and held as many as 10 hostages earlier on Friday, according to reports reaching here.

Seven people reportedly were killed in the attack and three Russian pilots were said to have been kidnapped.

"We have requested the SA Embassy in Mali to interact with the local authorities in the region where the incident took place," DIRCO's spokesperson Nelson Kgwete said, adding that no further details had been received at this point.

The government was still waiting for feedback on the sudden development in the Sevare desert region in central Mali, Kgwete said.

He urged all South Africans who have family members travelling to Mali to contact the department and make sure that they provide details of those family members who are in Mali to ensure that the identities of those affected could be confirmed.

The hotel that came under attack was also frequented by UN staff. Endit