Zimbabwe to release Riaan Schutte from Prison, Wednesday 20 October 2004

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, was advised by her Zimbabwean counterpart, Foreign Minister Stan Mudenge, yesterday, Tuesday 19 October 2004 of the decision of the Zimbabwean authorities to release from prison on humanitarian grounds Riaan Schutte, a South African who was convicted in 1989.

The decision to release Schutte from prison follows representation made to President Robert Mugabe by President Thabo Mbeki earlier this year for President Mugabe to consider Schutte's early release on humanitarian grounds. Schutte who served 15 years in prison will be released from Chikurubi prison on Wednesday 20 October 2004 due to illness.

Shutte will be released into the care of the South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jerry Ndou, Cassie Aucamp and family members before returning to South Africa.

The release from prison of Schutte underlines the strength of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe and the successes that can be made through the policy of quite diplomacy. The South African government extends its gratitude to President Robert Mugabe, the government and people of Zimbabwe for Schutte's early release.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

20 October 2004