South African Diplomat Missing in Malaysia

Minister of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was, today Friday 28 May 2004, advised by SA's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dr. Abe Nkomo of the disappearance of a South African diplomat, Nicky Scholtz (54) in Kuala Lumpur.

Scholtz, who is SA's Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia was last seen at 21h00 (Malaysian time) in his hotel room in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday 23 May 2004. During that week Scholtz was on duty as South Africa's delegate to the TICAD Conference held in Malaysia.

Investigations by the High Commissioner, Dr. Abe Nkomo in liaison with the hotel management have so far drawn a blank. Accordingly, High Commissioner Dr. Abe Nkomo has referred the matter to the Malaysian law enforcement agencies for further investigations.

Minister Dlamini Zuma, expresses the government's confidence in the ability of the Malaysian law enforcement agencies to do everything in their power to determine the whereabouts of Nicky Scholtz.

Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director-General for Middle East and Asia, Dr. Anil Sooklal has, today, Friday 28 May 2004 duly informed the family of Nicky Scholtz in South Africa of his disappearance and will regularly update them of any developments in this regard.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001.

28 May 2004.