Nigeria collapse death toll rises

AT LEAST 84 South Africans have been confirmed dead or unaccounted for following the collapse of Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) in Lagos Nigeria.

An assessment team was sent to Nigeria to give feedback to government about the latest developments on the ground.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), there were a total of 349 South Africans in Lagos visiting the church. Of these, 265 were found alive.

“Of the 84 that are unaccounted for, the figure of our compatriots that perished, as received from our mission, stands at 67,” Dirco said.

Following the tragedy, President Jacob Zuma set up an inter-ministerial task team led by the Minister in the Presidency, Jeff Radebe.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Radebe called for South Africans to remain patient before the names of the deceased are released.

“We are offering couselling and support services to survivors and families of deceased,” Radebe said.

At least two of the deceased are from the Eastern Cape.

Thomas Matsila from Queenstown and Joe Jordan’s son, Sidima, have been confirmed dead. Magazine editor Ponko Masiba and Mdantsane resident Phumzile Mpondo are still unaccounted for.

The Saturday Dispatch yesterday tried to contact the Scoan branch in Cape Town, but phone calls and an e-mail went unanswered.

Nigerian newspaper Vanguard said preacher and televangelist T B Joshua on Sunday linked the deadly building collapse at his Lagos megachurch to a suspicious aircraft – but rescue workers ruled out the theory of foul play.

Families of those injured or killed in the Nigerian collapse, can contact (012) 3511000 for more information. — siyab@dispatch.co.za