Issued by: Ministry of Intelligence Services
04 OCTOBER 1995.
1. The Ministry of Intelligence Services and the entire intelligence community has received the news of the untimely and tragic death of Mr Muziwendoda Mdluli, the Head of the Chief Directorate of Security in the National Intelligence Agency and the Chairperson of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee's (NICOC) Functional committee on security, with regret and shock.
2. Mr Mdhuli was a dedicated and respected intelligence officer both within the Agency and the entire Intelligence community. His area of responsibility included in general the protection of state secrets, all security matters pertaining to sabotage, and security investigations. He was committed to the new intelligence dispensation, and from the inception of the Agency, performed all of his critical duties and tasks with noteworthy distinction and capability. As a senior manager, he was an inspiration to all within the Agency and will be sorely missed.
3. The Deputy Minister, Mr JM Nhlanhla, has been in contact with the Minister of Safety and Security, Mr S Mafumadi, the Commissioner of Police, Mr G Fivaz, and the senior management of the NIA with the aim of ensuring that the investigation into Mr Mdluli's death receives the highest possible priority. Further, Mr JM Nhlanhla, has instructed the appropriate arms of the intelligence community to leave no stone unturned in their assistance to the SA Police Service in this investigation.
4. Further, the Ministry regrets the premature speculation on the circumstances of Mr Mdluli's death, as reflected in the media, as it pre-empts the unfolding investigation and could cast aspersions to the outcome thereof.
5. In this regard, the Ministry assures the bereaved Mdluli family, the general public and the Pan African Congress (PAC) that everything possible is being done to unearth the circumstances of Mr Mdluli's death. The investigators have been briefed to ensure that criminal culprits, if there are any, are speedily and justly brought to justice. To this end, the Intelligence Community will be in close liaison with the SAPS to give them whatever possible support they will need in this investigation.
6. The Deputy Minister for Intelligence Services together with senior members of the Agency met with the bereaved family to convey condolences on behalf of the Intelligence community. The Deputy Minister also met with the President of the PAC, Mr Johnson Mlambo, and Dr Skosana. They were in agreement that the investigations should be conducted with urgency and rigour.
7. The Ministry conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr Muzi Mdluli for the loss of this outstanding leader and patriot. He had become a South Africa Intelligence officer of note and conducted his tasks with impartiality: making him a source of pride for all South Africans.