22 February 2002
In response to media enquiries regarding the attack on a South African Observer vehicle in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe on Friday, 22nd February 2002, the Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to put the following on record:
A vehicle belonging to the SA Observer Mission to Zimbabwe was attacked during a stone throwing incident in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. The vehicle was carrying two members of the South African Observer Mission.
The South African Observer Mission in Zimbabwe, which was in contact with the two observers, has confirmed to the Department that neither of the two observers was wounded during the incident.
The Head of the South African Observer Mission to Zimbabwe, Dr Sam Motseunyane has confirmed to Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad that two youths were arrested in connection with the incident.
The South African Government welcomes the swift action of the Zimbabwean police in apprehending perpetrators of this act.
The South African Government reaffirms its commitment to assisting the people of Zimbabwe to speak through the ballot box in a free and fair election.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs