South African Government Statement on South Africans Detained in Zimbabwe

The South African Government can now confirm that there are 20 South Africans among the group of people detained on Sunday 7 March 2004 by the Zimbabwean authorities.

South Africa's Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jerry Ndou confirmed the details following consultations with Zimbabwean authorities on Tuesday 9 March 2004 with a view to determining the circumstances surrounding the detention and impounding of the US-registered Boeing by Zimbabwean authorities.

According to the Ambassador, the Zimbabwean authorities have indicated that apart from the South Africans there are 18 Namibians; 23 Angolans; 3 Congolese and one Zimbabwean national

All detainees are being held in a local prison pending the outcome of investigations surrounding the incident. The South African Embassy in Harare will continue to liaise with Zimbabwean authorities regarding investigations and the outcome thereof.

As soon as the names of the South Africans are made available to the South African embassy in Harare, the next of kin will be duly informed of developments.

The South African Government reiterates the view that should the allegations that these South Africans were implicated in mercenary activities prove true, it would amount to a breach of the Foreign Military Assistance Act which expressly prohibits the involvement of South Africans in such activities abroad without due authorisation.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

9 March 2004