HUMAN RIGHTS BODY CALLS FOR PROBE INTO DEADLY BLAST AT SOUTH AFRICAN ARMS FACTORY

JOHANNESBURG– The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for a thorough investigation into an explosion at a munitions factory near Cape Town on Monday which left eight people dead.

It’s not immediately clear what caused the blast at the Rheinmettal Denel munitions plant in Somerset West t near Cape Town on Monday afternoon. The blast could be seen from up to five kilometres away, eyewitnesses said.

The Rheinmetall-Denel plant is jointly owned by German and South Africa companies and manufactures munitions and explosive products for the South African military and police, as well as international clients.

The company said in a statement Tuesday that the explosion occurred during operations and destroyed the entire building and immediate surrounding blast walls.

Community members gathered outside the factory’s gates to pray for the injured and those who lost their lives. Investigations are due to continue.

Our hearts and sympathy go out to the family members of those that died in this accident. And we obviously ask that a thorough investigation be done and from our side we monitor that investigation so at least that the families not only find comfort and closure but actually find proper answers to what happened, says SAHRC spokesperson Chris Nissen.

The City of Cape Town says it has received assurance from the munitions manufacturer that emissions from the blast do not pose a threat to the public.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK

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