Statement on the Consular Visit to South African Prisoners in Equatorial Guinea

A team of South African Embassy officials from our diplomatic mission in Gabon, on Tuesday 4 May 2004, paid a consular visit to the South African prisoners held in Equatorial Guinea on allegations of a coup plot.

The embassy officials visited the each and every one of the eight South African prisoners and were satisfied that the prisoners are all in good health and condition.

The Department of Foreign Affairs' Consular Section has now contacted each prisoner's next of kin to inform them of their findings. In this regard, the embassy officials based in Gabon will continue to offer consular services through regular visits to the prisoners.

Meanwhile, the South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jerry Ndou has requested permission from the Zimbabwean authorities to pay a consular visit on Friday 7 May 2004 to South African prisoners in Harare. A decision in this regard is still being awaited.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x152
Pretoria
0001

5 May 2004