London
11 October 2006
The suggestion that South African diplomats based in London may be subjected
to lie detector tests to determine the source of information on the recall of a
senior South African diplomat to Pretoria is devoid of all truth and
substance.
The decision to recall the senior diplomat was based on consultations
between the South Africa and British governments based on the need to
strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
Secondly, the decision was made in consultation with the senior diplomat and
in his best interests. Consequently, we reiterate the view that the affected
senior diplomat was at no stage accused of being involved in any of the
transgressions alleged to have been committed by his two sons. It is against
this background that the affected senior diplomat will return to his post in
Pretoria upon his return from London.
In terms of British diplomatic practice it was expected that the matter will
be tabled in their parliament at which point the matter would arouse both media
and public interest.
Accordingly, we do not believe that any of our diplomatic staff in London
would have leaked the information since it was already in the public domain. In
this regard, the suggestion that diplomatic staff at the South African High
Commission may take lie detector tests to determine the source of the so-called
leak remains thunder and lightning signifying nothing.
It would have been proper for members of the media to contact the Department
of Foreign Affairs or the High Commissioner in London, Lindiwe Mabuza to
determine the veracity of the allegations before printing the story.
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
11 October 2005
