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Terrorist activities in and outside South Africa QUESTION
NUMBER: 1 DATE: 16 November 2004 1. Mr M A Mzizi (IFP) to ask the
Deputy President: Whether, in light of media reports on terrorist activities
within as well as outside South Africa and mention that foreigners beyond our
borders have been found to be in possession of South African passports as well
as other documents, any security and/or precautionary measures have been or are
being instituted to guarantee the safety and protection of the citizens of South
Africa; if not, why not; if so, what measures?
C111E REPLY:
Fighting
terrorism is a major priority of Government and our law enforcement agencies and
intelligence structures are seized with the matter on an ongoing basis. They also
liaise regularly with their international partners since a decisive victory over
terrorism partly relies on the extent to which information is shared, within and
between countries. The nature of the challenge, however, does not allow
us to divulge all the measures we employ in our efforts against terrorism. Regarding
fraudulently obtained South African official documents, the Department of Home
Affairs, acting in consultation with other departments in the Justice Crime Prevention
and Security (JCPS) cluster, is constantly improving security around all South
African official documents, particularly the Identity Document and Passports.
In the process the Department is also implementing counter corruption measures
that include formal training for members and action is taken against staff suspected
of corruption. Measures have been taken with other countries to prevent
the usage of fraudulently obtained South African official documents. Fraudsters
who try to use such documents in other countries face certain arrest and prosecution
in those countries. The JCPS is also finalising an overarching strategy on border
control to prevent the entry of terror suspects into our country. As we speak
our anti-terrorism bill is awaiting the signature of the President to be promulgated
into law. This law will give more strength to our efforts of fighting terrorism.
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