Issued by: Ministry of Safety and Security
December 7, 1995, Pretoria
We are pleased that the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has brought to our attention the alleged abuse of state resources by the Investigation Task Unit (ITU).
The ITU was appointed to investigate hit-squad activities in the KwaZulu-Natal Province and has within the space of a year achieved an extraordinary measure of success in following up hit-squad allegations on all sides of the political spectrum.
The unit is running several large inquiries and has numerous witnesses under protection.
The Minister will ask Commissioner George Fivaz to call for the relevant particulars and to enquire into how a political party was permitted access to police records.
We find it curious that the IFP spokesperson on Safety and Security has chosen to focus on cellular phone accounts rather than on the substantive issues raised in the indictment served on the accused, in the matter of State vs Msane - the accused include General Malan, MZ Khumalo and others - which was investigated by the ITU.
We await with interest his comments on the Malan indictment. If indeed there was an "abuse" of state facilities by the ITU, the public will be as interested in getting an explanation as it is, in knowing the IFP's attitude towards the massacre of women and children at KwaMakhutha.
Enquiries: Mulalo Maxwell Mulaudzi Minister's spokesperson 082 373 2005