Death of South African Diplomat in Olifantsfontein

Pretoria- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has learnt with shock and a deep sense of sadness at the cold-blooded murder of Kingsley Sithole, a South African diplomat who was murdered on Monday 12 June 2006 in Olifantsfontein, near Johannesburg.

Sithole was a counselor based in the South African Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe. He was apparently visiting Olifantsfontein with a friend to view his new house when unknown assailants fired shots at his car wounding him fatally. He was on leave visiting his son who was involved in a schoolbus accident.

Sithole joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1994 as part of integration processes. Sithole had previously worked for among others the ANC's Department of International Affairs under the leadership of then head of Department and now President Thabo Mbeki and Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad.

Minister Dlamini Zuma said "death has once more robbed us of one of the most committed cadres in efforts aimed at the renewal of Africa and the creation of a better world. We will certainly miss the invaluable contribution that Kingsley made in the evolution of the South African foreign policy"

"We join all our people in condemning this dastardly act and express our confidence that our law enforcement agencies will leave no stone unturned to ensure those responsible face the full might of the law" continued Minister Dlamini Zuma.

"In this regard, on behalf of our Ministry, Director-General Dr. Ayanda Ntsaluba Ambassadors and High Commissioners stationed abroad and the staff of our Department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Cheryl, the children and the entire Sithole family during this time of bereavement" concluded Minister Dlamini Zuma.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

13 June 2006