Issued by: Office of the President
President Nelson Mandela has noted reports regarding allegations by Mr Katiza Cebekhulu on how he left South Africa and his incarceration in Zambia.
The President wishes to underline that these allegations and others relating to the erstwhile so-called Mandela Football Club are currently the focus of an investigation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The President fully supports the current process initiated by the TRC's Amnesty Committee to establish the truth of these allegations. As such, he believes that it would be inappropriate to take part in a parallel inquiry through the media or any other publication.
However, in response to media inquiries and for the record, the President wishes to make it clear that he did not arrange for Mr Cebekhulu to be taken out of South Africa or to be incarcerated in Zambia. The President did not meet Mr Cebekhulu in Zambia; and he does not have any recollection of ever having met him.
9 September 1997
For more information, contact: Joel Netshitenzhe 082-900-0083