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The government says it is "deeply saddened" to learn that South African teacher Pierre Korkie had been killed in a botched rescue mission in Yemen.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana Mashabane, said numerous efforts had been made to secure Korkie's release.
Korkie and American photographer Luke Somers were killed in the early hours of Saturday during a rescue operation carried out by United States Special Forces in Yemen.
Korkie and his wife Yolande were kidnapped in Taiz, Yemen, in May last year.
She was released in January following the intervention of humanitarian group, Gift of the Givers.
Reacting to news of her husband's death, Yolande said the family to chose to forgive and rejoice in Pierre's memories.
The body of former Bloemfontein teacher, Pierre Korkie, is expected to arrive in South Africa on Monday.
A memorial service will be held in Bloemfontein this week followed by a private burial service.
