Issued by: SA Communication Service
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE SA POLICE SERVICE: COMMISSIONER GEORGE FIVAZ
Cape Town: 1997-09-18
(Comment on the appearance of Director Craig Kotze the TRC)
As a result of numerous media enquiries relating to this issue, the following response is released:
My Communication Adviser, Director Craig Kotze, made a submission under oath to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Tuesday 16 September 1997.
During his submission he revealed that he had been an undercover intelligence agent of the former SA Police whilst he was a journalist at the Star newspaper during the 1980's.
Director Kotze handed me a copy of his submission on the Monday afternoon preceding his appearance.
Although this was the first occasion on which I personally learned of Director Kotze's "undercover" activities during the former dispensation, I am pleased that he made the quantum leap of appearing before the TRC and that he publicly honoured the principle of full disclosure of information as provided for by the TRC Act.
On several occasions in the past, I have publicly called on members of the SAPS, who felt it necessary to do so, to participate in the TRC hearings. In this respect I refer to the provisions of the Accord which was negotiated and agreed upon by the Minister for Safety and Security, the Chairperson of the TRC and myself during February 1996. It would therefore be morally, ethically and legally reprehensible for the SAPS to now punish, prejudice or discriminate against a member for participating in the TRC hearings.
I would be incorrect and unjustified for any person to assume or allege that I am protecting Director Kotze in any manner whatsoever of showing him any form of favour, directly of indirectly, over others. All members of the Service who choose to appear before the TRC, and who comply with the relevant legal requirements, will be supported and assisted by the SA Police Service.
Director Craig Kotze was appointed to the post of Communication Adviser to the National Commissioner after the post was advertised and he went through an intensive selection process.
His appointment was approved because he had the necessary and relevant talents and experience required by theged.
In order to honour the principles and objectives of the Constitution, the TRC Act and the aforementioned Accord, I will continue to call upon serving members of the SAPS to appear before the TRC should any activities in their past careers in any of SA's former policing agencies require it. I fully support the TRC process and will cooperate with the TRC whenever and wherever necessary.
Statement released by Snr Supt Sally de Beer, Office of the National Commissioner, Pretoria: 082 808 3735.