Statement Regarding Attack Against South African Diplomat in Botswana

Tshwane - The Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba has today Sunday, 19 June 2005 condemned in the strongest terms the hideous crime committed against a senior South African diplomat, Deputy High Commissioner Ben Joubert and his family in Gaborone, on Thursday, 16 June 2005.

The Deputy High Commissioner Ben Joubert had organised a dinner party for family, friends and members of the diplomatic corps at his home in Gaborone. Shortly after the first guests had arrived, criminals entered the home of Deputy High Commissioner Joubert and brutally attacked the Deputy High Commissioner, members of his family and the few members of the diplomatic corps who had already arrived for the function and robbed them of money and jewelry.

Director-General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba expressed his confidence in the ability of the law enforcement authorities in Botswana to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators of this dastardly act face the full might of the law.

The Department of Foreign Affairs extends its sympathies to the Deputy High Commissioner, family and friends and expresses support to the entire South African diplomatic community based in Botswana during this trying moment.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.
Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
19 June 2005