Issued by the Department of Transport
28 June 2000
Yesterday evening (27 June 2000) my office was telephoned by journalists who were trying to verify whether a warrant of arrest of Mr Trevor Abrahams was issued or not. This was the first intimation my Department and I had of any warrant of arrest.
There has been no interaction between the police in general or the investigating officer in particular on the one hand and myself or the Department of Transport on the other. No discussions of any kind have taken place. No reports have been submitted by the police to me or my Department. Media reports this morning suggesting otherwise are wrong.
Other than the report appearing in the media, I have not been informed of the action taken. This morning I communicated with the Commissioner of Police, Mr Jackie Selebe who undertook to look into the matter and to inform me of what was happening.
I have now been informed that Mr Abrahams presented himself to the police in the company of his lawyer. He was then placed under arrest and detained. I have also been informed that he briefly appeared in court this afternoon and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on 06 July 2000.
Prior to his being taken into custody, Mr Abrahams requested that he be temporarily relieved of his positions as Commissioner and CEO of the South African Civil Aviation Authority. I have decided to suspend Mr Abrahams as Commissioner until further notice. My decision has been communicated to the Acting Chair of the CAA Board, Mr Piet van Hoven. The Board met this afternoon and has taken a decision to also suspend Mr Abrahams as CEO. These actions have been taken so as to maintain the integrity of the CAA. The details of the suspension will be worked out shortly.
In the meantime, Ms Wrenelle Stander who is currently the Deputy CEO has been appointed to act as Commissioner of Civil Aviation until further notice. She has considerable experience in aviation matters and understands very well how the CAA operates. The Board of the CAA has also informed me that it has resolved also to accede to Mr Abrahams's request and to appoint Ms Stander also to act as CEO until further notice. The Board of the CAA is an independent body which acts without Government participation or interference.
I fully support all action designed to uncover criminal and corrupt practices and actions and support all prosecutions where appropriate.
There are certain strange features about this matter about which I must express my concern. Contrary to media reports, there has been no interaction between the police and myself (not that I expect any). I expect the police to act fearlessly and independently.
It is, however, well-known that the Civil Aviation Authority under the leadership of the CEO was conducting an investigation into aspects of the work of the SA Police (Air wing). It is also known that the CAA has been investigating allegations of irregularities. Currently an independent review panel consisting of an eminent advocate, Adv. Vincent Maleka SC, and assisted by Mr J Morrison, President of the Airlines Association of South Africa and Mr B Leathers, President of the Airlines Pilots Association of South Africa have been taking evidence with regard to such alleged irregularities.
The review panel placed an advert in the Sunday Times on Sunday, 25 June 2000, calling upon persons with information to come forward to give evidence. Over the past few days the CEO, Mr Trevor Abrahams, as well as Ms Victoria Buxton testified before the review panel as well as certain other persons. It was expected that certain pilots would have given evidence over the next few days. Some of these pilots have also now been arrested.
In the light of the strange features surrounding this matter, I have again communicated with the Commissioner of Police who has indicated that he will be investigating the whole matter so as to ensure that justice is done.
I am a firm believer in the rule of law and believe that the law must take its course. At the same time, I do not prejudge the case either way. I accept that Mr Abrahams is innocent until he is found guilty in a court of law.
Thank you.