PRESIDENT DE KLERK’S RESPONSE TO LT-GEN STEYN’S FINDINGS
On 18 November 1992, in pursuance of Mr Justice Goldstone’s statement of 16 November, I gave certain instructions to Lt-Gen Pierre Steyn to conduct a full investigation of all of the intelligence functions of the SA Defence Force.
He has just brought his first preliminary findings and important supporting information to my attention. This information, together with the results and feed-back from various special investigations, indicate that a limited number of members contract members and collaborators of the SA Defence Force have been involved, and in some eases are still involved, in illegal and/or unauthorised activities and malpractices.
Some of these special investigations were the result of previous Government instructions as well as initiatives of the present and previous Ministers of Defence.
The activities which have now come to my attention point to a process in which political office-bearers, Defence Force commanders and the Auditor-General were not fully informed or, very often, were misled.
I would like to emphasise that only a limited number of persons and a few units are involved . Nevertheless, the information at my disposal indicates a serious and unacceptable state of affairs.
This cannot, and will not, be tolerated.
The good name of the entire Defence Force, which has served South Africa with so much distinction, is being threatened by the unacceptable activities of a handful of individuals.
The SA Defence Force plays all valued an indispensable role in our society. Together with the SA Police, the SADF guarantees the security of all peace-loving South Africans. This role is an important assurance for all South Africans with regard to the protection of their basic interests in the period of constitutional transition which lies ahead.
As Commander-in-Chief of the SADF, I have a absolute duty and responsibility to protect this essential role. I also owe it to the overwhelming majority of loyal and dedicated members of the security forces to uphold the proud tradition and well-earned reputation of our security forces by cutting to the root of any malpractices.
Far-reaching steps have already been taken to prevent and eliminate just such abuses. These include , among others, the disbandment of the CCB, important changes to the security management system, the activities of the Khan Committee, intensified political control and greater powers for the Auditor-
General.
As a result of the information which has now been conveyed to me the steps are being taken with immediate effect to bring an end all
illegal or unauthorised activities and malpractices which have now come to light. With this objective in mind, and as a first step with regard to reorganisation, seven members of the SADF have been placed on compulsory leave, pending the conclusion of further investigations. Furthermore, 16 members, including two generals and four brigadiers have been placed on compulsory retirement, together with compulsory leave, with immediate effect.
The names of the uniformed members involved will be made known as soon as possible. In keeping with international practice the names of civilian collaborators will not be published, but where applicable, particulars concerning them will be made available to the Goldstone Commission, the SA Police and the Attorneys General.
Further steps which now will follow, include the following:
* the active continuation of the investigation of Lt-Gen Steyn and those who are assisting him.
* quick and firm disciplinary action, based on any further information which might come to light.
* co-operation with the Goldstone Commission, where information may become available relevant to its investigation.
* intensified administrative and financial control measures.
* court-related actions where prima facie evidence is available indicating possible criminal prosecution. The SA Police and the Attorneys-General will naturally be involved in this process.
Further facts will be revealed to the public in the course of court proceedings, in reports of the Auditor-General and of the Commissions of Investigation..
These actions confirm the Government’s determination to act against irregularities with a view to ensuring clean administration.
It is in everyone’s interest that allegations and evidence concerning malpractices in the security forces should be dealt with the greatest responsibility. We dare not allow our security forces in general, and our intelligence services in particular, to be crippled in their capacity to work against the evil plans of those responsible for violence and unrest. I stand by our security forces and our intelligence services and am convinced that they will, in fact, be strengthened and encouraged by effective action against the malpractices
concerned which have cast a shadow over everyone.
The Government demands that its political opponents should act with equal decisiveness against crime and malpractices in their ranks. The role of some of their supporters and often of prominent members in positions of authority, in crime, violence, intimidation and disruption historically and now can be doubted by no-one. Fine words and clever public relations are just not good enough.
All South Africans long for peace. Any individual or organisation which fans violence, promotes conflict and undermines the constitutional or peace negotiations, is standing in the path of the overwhelming majority of all South Africans.
We dare not allow that these elements, who are delaying a new dispensation and who continue to promote conflict, to succeed with their objectives.
For this reason the Government will not hesitate to act against such people, regardless of who they might be, or wherever they may be found.
At the same time we will continue to ensure that the South African public will be served by security forces who are irreproachably neutral and free from political manipulation.
ISSUED BY THE STATE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE CAPE TOWN
19 DECEMBER 1992