Issued by: Office of the Executive Deputy President T.M. Mbeki
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPUTY PRESIDENT T.M. MBEKI
PRESS STATEMENT
An incorrect perception has been created by reports in the media quoting the Executive Deputy President as having said that some police women were working as prostitutes at night to earn extra money.
This office denies categorically that any such comment was made by Deputy President Mbeki.
Instead, Mr Mbeki expressed the concern of the Government of National Unity about the working conditions and salaries of members of the SA Police Services.
To illustrate this point he highlighted the case of a senior policewoman in Cape Town who admitted two years ago that she was forced to resort to prostitution to supplement her income.
At no stage in the interview did he say that he had information at his disposal that policewomen were presently resorting to prostitution to supplement their incomes.
This distortion of what Mr Mbeki said has created an unfortunate situation and has drawn sharp criticism from SAPS.
Mr Mbeki would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm his confidence in the SAPS and support for the work they are doing, often under difficult and trying circumstances.
This office believes that the media has a responsibility to their listenership and reader to verify their facts before publishing or braodcasting sensationalised reports which may result in irreparable harm to the process of reconciliation and transformation in the country.
Issued by: Ricky Naidoo Deputy Director: Communications
Date: 25 October 1995
Tel: 083 555 5189