Issued by: Ministry for Intelligence Services
23 October 1997
A number of lists naming alleged spies for the former regime are in circulation as part of a misinformation and disinformation campaign. On these lists appear the names of a number of innocent people who are accusing of spying, without a shred of supporting evidence.
Basic information, such as the handlers involved, the agents' numbers, their adopted names, briefs given to them andcopies of any reports they submitted, is woefully lacking. If such evidence should become available, it should be confirmed by a legitimate and credible institution. This must not be avoided. This is the legal mandate of the TRC.
Even at this late hour we call on those with the relevant information to submit it to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or the President; the latter being the ultimate guardian of the nation's secrets.
We strongly believe that some of the records pertaining to apartheid informers are in private hands. If we are to finally put the matter to rest, those brandishing the lists and former officers must surrender these lists and files together with all supporting evidence to the TRC or the President. This would avoid speculation about the integrity of people and the besmirching of innocent peoples' names and reputations.
As for the charges levelled against me, I have never in my life been approached for recruitment - neither as a local intelligence operatives, nor by any other country's for that matter. I am beyond acruitment. This shows how inaccurate these lists can be. I challenge anyone to put this information on the table, together with at least some shreds of evidence.
I appeal to all patriotic South Africans to treat intelligence as an indispenable national asset, an asset that exists above and beyond the narrow confines of sectarian politics; to treat intelligence as an institution which serves the people of South Africa without fear or favour, within a strict legal and constitutional framework.
In this context, the National Intelligence Agency needs to be given a chance to meet its national responsibility of creating conditions conducive to peace and stability in this country. Hitherto, the NIA has made immense contributions, largely not visible to the general public. It has served quietly, without claiming victories. Its role in combatting violence in KwaZulu-Natal is a good example. Its shortcomings, reflected in the theft of buses and equipment, is a directly attributable to its successes. This marks a passing phase. The NIA and the SAPS are doing everything in their power to bring the culprits to book. Let's give them a chance to prove their worth.