SABC

President Jacob Zuma last night conveyed condolences to the people of Russia. Thirty nine people were killed in the Moscow Metro on Monday, when two women suicide bombers blew themselves up. President Zuma condemned the attacks and pledged South Africa's continued commitment to world peace.

"I have learnt with shock and sadness of the terror attacks in Moscow which killed scores of innocent people. In this regard I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the Government of Russia and to the families of the deceased. Our hearts and prayers are with you and most especially those who have lost loved ones during these callous attacks," Zuma said.

Yesterday Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the culprits behind twin suicide bombings must be scraped 'from the bottom of the sewers' and exposed.

Russia mourns

The tough talk came a day after the deadliest attack on the Russian capital in six years fuelled fears of a broader offensive by rebels based in the North Caucasus and underscored the Kremlin's failure to keep militants in check.

Putin told a meeting on transport security that surveillance cameras could not prevent terrorist attacks but might help police identify their organisers. "In this case, we know they are lying low, but it is a matter of honour for law enforcement bodies to scrape them from the bottom of the sewers and into the daylight," he said.

Moscow observed a day of mourning yesterday for the victims of the blasts, which authorities said were set off by female suicide bombers linked to the North Caucasus - a string of heavily Muslim provinces that includes Chechnya. – Additional reporting by Reuters