Status on the presence of Chinese Nationals who receive Diplomatic Immunity in South Africa

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 1813  (NW2046E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 19-2011

QUOTE

MR I O DAVIDSON (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether with reference to the reply to question 3180 on 13 December 2010, the Chinese nationals receiving diplomatic immunity in Case 5 (6) and Case 8 (9) are still present in South Africa; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether her department has made any representation to the Chinese mission in South Africa about the continued presence of these nationals; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

(1) Case 6 – Parkroad CAS 21/4/2006  Accused:  Chinese Diplomat  Sentence:   

Diplomatic Immunity – case withdrawn

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is not able to provide a response as the name of the Chinese diplomat is unknown and can therefore not verify whether a Chinese diplomat was indeed involved.

Case 9 – Ladybrand CAS 193/11/2009 Accused:  Zhou Dequan   Sentence:  Diplomatic Immunity – case withdrawn

The name ZHOU DEQUAN does not appear on any records held at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and did not enjoy diplomatic immunity.

(2) The Department of International Relations and Cooperation was not approached to
confirm immunity and issue a certificate in terms of Section 9 (3) of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, No 37 of 2001.

UNQUOTE