Condolences extended to KZN light aircraft crash victims' families
The tragedy claimed the lives of all three occupants aboard the aircraft.
According to reports, the aircraft disappeared on Sunday, after departing from Virginia Airport in Durban.
ALSO READ: Search for missing aircraft ends in tragedy
On Monday, the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre confirmed it had located the aircraft crash site.
The DA said it is deeply saddened by the incident and extends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased.
'The loss of a young student pilot – who was reportedly operating the aircraft – is particularly devastating, as it represents not only the end of a promising future, but also a loss to South Africa's aviation sector,' said the party.
ALSO READ: CIT heist causes havoc on N2
KZN DA Spokesperson on Transport Riona Gokool commended the efforts of all emergency personnel and search and rescue teams who worked tirelessly to locate the missing aircraft.
'Their dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity must be acknowledged and appreciated,' said Gokool.
Gokool added that Transport MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed that the matter will be handed over to the SAPS Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for an official investigation.
'As part of KZN's GPU, the DA is committed to closely monitoring this process. We believe particular attention must be paid to the role that adverse weather conditions, pilot training, flight planning and aircraft condition may have played,' said Gokool.
'The findings of this investigation must inform immediate steps to strengthen aviation safety standards and ensure such tragedies are not repeated.
'As a nation, we must honour the memory of those lost by demanding accountability, learning from this incident, and by putting robust measures in place to protect all who take to our skies,' said Gokool.
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