S. Africa confirms killing of citizen in Mali

South African authorities on Saturday confirmed that a SA citizen has been killed during a attack by unknown militants in central Mali.

The SA embassy in Mali has confirmed that a 38-year-old man from Pretoria was shot dead by militants in a hostage situation at a Mali hotel, said Nelson Kgwete, spokesperson of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Militants attacked the hotel and held as many as 10 hostages on Friday. Seven people reportedly were killed in the attack.

"I'm unable to reveal the identity of the SA citizen who lost his life in the Mali incident. Family still coming to terms with the loss," Kgwete twitted.

But the South African press identified the victim as Roelof Janse van Rensburg.

Three South Africans were held hostage after gunmen attacked a hotel used by UN staff in the town of Sevare on Friday.

Two South Africans managed to escape unharmed, but the 38-year-old from Pretoria lost his life, said Kgwete.

The deceased SA national was attached to an aviation company rendering services to the UN contingent in Mali, according to Kgwete.

"Government sends its deepest condolences to the family of the SA national who lost his life in the attack in Mali. His family has been informed," Kgwete said.

He said the SA government will help victim's family with repatriating his remains. Enditem