Status on the Incidents of an Alleged Criminal Nature of Diplomatic Personnel abroad and Persons claiming Diplomatic Immunity abroad

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 1650

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 29 OF 26 SEPTEMBER 2008

MR LB LABUSCHAGNE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

1. (a) How many incidents of an alleged criminal nature involving diplomatic personnel abroad and other persons claiming immunity abroad occurred (i) in (aa) 2005, (bb) 2006, (cc) 2007 and (ii) during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the nature of the incident or incidents that led to the claiming of immunity by personnel;

2. (a) how many incidents of an alleged criminal nature involving foreign diplomatic personnel and other foreigners claiming diplomatic immunity (i) in (aa) 2005, (bb) 2006, (cc) 2007 and (ii) during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the nature of the incident or incidents that led to the claiming of immunity by foreign personnel?

NW2423E

REPLY:

(1) (a) (i)(aa) In 2005, one incident was reported at the Mission,(bb) In 2006, one incident was reported,(cc) In 2007, no incident was reported and (ii) No incident was reported from 1 January 2008 to date.

(b)  The incidents reported in 2005 and 2006 involved two sons of a diplomat in the United Kingdom who allegedly committed robberies, theft and assault.

 (2) (a) (i) The South African Police Service, International Liaison Unit recorded the following:

(aa) 2005 – None provided by SAPS.
(bb) 2006- None provided by SAPS.
(cc) 2007- 10 incidents were reported

            (ii) 2008- 5 incidents were reported

(b) The incidents reported in 2007 involved (assault (1); shoplifting (6); fraud (1); reckless/negligent driving (1); driving under the influence of alcohol (1))
 and in 2008 involved (shoplifting (2); driving under the influence of alcohol (3))