Media Statement: No lie detector tests for SA diplomats in London

The suggestion that South African diplomats based in London may be subjected to lie detector tests to determine the source of information on the recall of a senior South African diplomat to Pretoria is devoid of all truth and substance.

The decision to recall the senior diplomat was based on consultations between the SA and the British Government based on the need to strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.

Secondly, the decision was made in consultation with the senior diplomat and in his best interests. Consequently, we reiterate the view that the affected senior diplomat was at no stage accused of being involved in any of the transgressions alleged to have been committed by his two sons. It is against this background that the affected senior diplomat will return to his post in Pretoria upon his return from London.

In terms of British diplomatic practice it was expected that the matter will be tabled in their parliament at which point the matter would arouse both media and public interest.

Accordingly, we do not believe that any of our diplomatic staff in London would have leaked the information since it was already in the public domain. In this regard, the suggestion that diplomatic staff at the SA High Commission may take lie detector tests to determine the source of the so-called leak remains thunder and lightning signifying nothing.

It would have been proper for members of the media to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs or the High Commissioner in London, Lindiwe Mabuza to determine the veracity of the allegations before printing the story.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

11 October 2006.