Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Minister Alfred Nzo expressed shock at the news of the detention in Mozambique of Mr Robert McBride, a Director in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Minister Nzo immediately ordered an investigation into the matter and sent Mr Abdul Minty, Deputy Director-General in the Department of Foreign Affairs, to Mozambique on 11 March 1998. Mr Minty reported to Minister Nzo last night.
The Mozambican authorities are in the process of investigating the involvement of Mr McBride in an alleged illegal arms deal. The legal process in Mozambique will take its normal course, during which the South African Government will maintain regular contact with the Mozambican Government.
Mr McBride was on leave from 9 - 11 March 1998 from the Department and was apparently on a private visit to Mozambique, for which he used his diplomatic passport. His visit was not authorised or known to the Department.
At the request of the Mozambican authorities, an official from the South African High Commission saw Mr McBride on Tuesday afternoon, 10 March 1998, for identification purposes.
Once the Departmental investigation is completed the outcome will be reported.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 12 MARCH 1998