The South African government on Monday confirmed that seven South Africans were killed during a plane crash in Mozambique.

"Foreign affairs consular officers will provide the bereaved families with the necessary consular assistance, with particular reference to the repatriation of the mortal remains back to South Africa," said the foreign affairs department in a statement.

The Durban-registered commercial plane crashed in Beira on Saturday. According to the state-controlled Noticias newspaper, the group was in the country to identify business opportunities. The report identified four of the victims as Louisa Suzana, Daniel Johane, Wilson Zao and Michel Paul.

On Sunday, reports suggested that the accident occurred when the plane ran out of fuel. The Noticias quoted director of Beira International airport, Antonio Tito, as saying that a commission of inquiry had been set up to determine the cause of the crash. Tito said the pilot had lost contact with the airport control tower.

The plane was supposed to have landed at Beira International Airport at 2.36pm on Saturday but crash-landed in Palmeiras, a densely populated suburb of the city near the Indian Ocean.

"The South African government extends its thoughts and prayers to those families who lost their loved ones during this tragic incident," said the department.

Sapa