STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT F W DE KLERK IN REACTION TO THE STATEMENT OF 16 NOVEMBER 1992 BY MR JUSTICE GOLDSTONE

The Cabinet today gave thorough consideration to the statement which was released on Monday, 16 November 1992 by Mr Justice Goldstone.

There can be no doubt about the urgency of addressing, once and for all, the plethora
of insinuations, allegations and accusations which are currently being levelled against the Security Forces. The climate of suspicion and recrimination which has been created by these allegations, by continuous propaganda and by the manner in which these matters have been dealt with by certain sections of the media, threatens the credibility of the Security Forces and complicates the peacekeeping role which they must play in the maintenance of order and of public safety.

It is important to note that Mr Justice Goldstone’s remarks were issued in the form of a press statement and did not constitute an official report. Accordingly, many of the aspects contained in the statement have thus far not been tested within the framework of the normal procedures applied by a judicial commission.

The Government will await the Commission’ s official report, which, it is hoped, will provide it with a fully evaluated basis for further consideration and action.

In the meantime the Government has decided on the following:

I have requested a meeting with Mr Justice Goldstone as soon as possible to discuss with him his request for further resources;

the scope of his investigation; and

the speedy completion of his present investigation to ensure that he will be able to submit his report expeditiously, with a view to appropriate consideration and action by the Government as soon as possible.

I have, after consultation with the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the South African Defence Force, also given instructions that Lt-Gen Pierre Steyn, the Chief of Defence Force Staff, should assume immediate command of all intelligence functions of the SADF, including the Division of Military Intelligence and the intelligence branches of the four services.

I have given him instructions to provide me with a complete and comprehensive analysis of all of the SADF ‘ s intelligence activities, and in the light of this analysis and any recommendations which he may make, to report to me as soon

as possible on the advisability of restructuring these functions.

I have given further instructions to Lt-Gen Steyn that he should, in conjunction with Lt- Gen Alwyn Conradie of the South African Police, secure immediate control over all of the documentation of the Directorate of Covert Collection and that they should as soon as possible carry out a comprehensive analysis of the documentation to ascertain whether any activities have taken place which might be in contravention of the law or of Government policy. This process will take place in support of, and in conjunction with the investigation which is currently being carried out by the Goldstone Commission.

The findings of these investigations, which are relevant to the activities of the Goldstone Commission, will be placed at the Commission’s disposal. Likewise, any findings which are relevant to the activities of other judicial enquiries will be made available to the relevant authorities or to the appropriate investigating bodies.

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE STATE PRESIDENT PRETORIA 16 NOVEMBER 1992