/ 26 September 2001

SA FAMILIES ASKED FOR DNA

THE USA authorities have requested South African missions in New York and Washington to secure DNA samples from family members of South Africans presumed missing following the recent terrorist attacks in the USA. At the moment there are six South Africans reported missing in the USA. The US authorities have requested the following from family members: mouth cells, saliva, dental records, hair/tooth brushes and/or electrical razors used by the missing persons as well as photographs of missing persons. At this stage, there is no confirmation by US authorities of the death or injury of any South African. However, investigations are continuing. – SA Foreign Affairs