27 AUGUST 2002
Greenpeace Activists
The South African Security Services in a joint exercise has commenced with monitoring the movements and activities of the Esperanza which departed Cape Town for Durban this morning. The Esperanza will be shadowed for the duration of its voyage until it reaches Durban.
The unlawful behaviour of the activists in recently entering a restricted area within a national key point leaves us with no other choice than to monitor their activities in order to protect our strategic interests.
As a constitutional democarcy we respect the rights of individuals to demonstrate and express themselves provided that it is done within the framework of existing laws.
The south african security services will act firmly and appropriately to protect the citizens of this country.
Issued by Director Bala Naidoo - Spokesperson of Joints