The ANC expressed sadness on Friday at the death of more than 700 people in a stampede during the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

“We share this sad moment with the Muslim community the world over. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said in a statement.

“It is sad that over 717 of those who died had gone [to] Mecca for purposes of prayer and lost their lives in the process of carrying out their religious rites.”

The African National Congress sent condolences to the families who lost loved ones.

More than 700 people were killed in the stamped on Thursday morning and more than 800 hurt. News24