Issued by: Ministry of Safety and Security
MEDIA RELEASE BY THE MINISTER FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY, SYDNEY MUFAMADI, SEPTEMBER 6, 1996, CAPE TOWN.
When, on August 29, 1996, the police in the Western Cape announced the arrest of alleged drug lord, Mr Colin Stansfield, they indicated that their three year investigation had been hampered by a number of factors.
One of such factors which were mentioned by the police in their media statement related to "Government contacts" which Colin Stansfield allegedly had.
I immediately directed the Provincial Commissioner of the Police in the Western Cape to supply me with all available information relating to alleged "Government contacts". I intend to have this aspect fully investigated as the impression was given that senior people in Government were involved.
I have now received the information from the Provincial Commissioner.
From the information received, Colin Stansfield is alleged to have had contact with one or two warders of the Department of Correctional Services, three non-commissioned officers of the South African Police Service and one employee of the Receiver of Revenue.
One of the prison warders involved has since been arrested and convicted for dealing in dagga. The information in respect of the other persons is being followed up and is the subject of investigations.
Whilst all the above persons with whom Colin Stansfield is alleged to have contact are in the employ of the Government, they cannot be regarded as "Government contacts" in terms of the ordinary meaning of those words.
All allegations of unlawful conduct or corruption will be investigated thoroughly by the police, irrespective of how senior or junior a person might be. We should, however, all guard against loose language and allegations which reflect on others when there is no possible substantiation for such allegations.
Enquiries; Maxwell Mulaudzi 082 373 2005