President receives letter from Hammerl family

26 May 2011

President Jacob Zuma has received a letter from the family of former photographer Anton Hammerl who was killed on duty in Libya last month, requesting him to use his influence in the continent to help bring Mr Hammerl's remains to South Africa for a proper burial (see here).

The President has also received information from journalists indicating the possible location of the remains in Libya, for him to share with the Libyan authorities next week.

President Zuma understands the pain and difficulty that the family is going through as every family wishes to know where their next of kin are buried. While not wishing to raise undue expectations, the President will do whatever is possible to assist while in Tripoli.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation also continues to work on the matter. The information received from journalists about the possible location of the remains has been passed on to the South African mission in Tripoli for further work.

President Zuma extends heartfelt condolences to Mr Hammerl's wife Penny Sukhraj and the children Aurora (11), Neo (7) and Hiro (15 weeks) as well as his parents Freda and Ludwig Hammerl.

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, The Presidency, May 26 2011

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