Arrest of Three Alleged South Africans in Brazil

The South African Consulate-General in Sao Paolo confirmed today, Tuesday 28 June 2005 the arrest of three alleged South African women for possession and dealing in cocaine.

At this stage, the Consulate-General is in a process of requesting permission from the Brazilian law enforcement agencies to visit the three suspects in prison as soon as possible with a view to verifying their nationality.

Only after the consular visit to the three persons, can the Consulate-General determine whether South Africa has any responsibility towards the three suspects in terms of the Vienna Convention and our national constitution.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

28 June 2005