Item 1442 - Mandela on the theft of weapons and ammunition : Statement on the theft of weapons and ammunition in Bloemfontein

TRANSCRIPT

President Nelson Mandela has sent messages of condolences to the families of the two members of the South African National Defence Force, Corporals C M Leisanyane and G van Wyk whose bodies were discovered in the Modder Rivier near Bloemfontein.

The President has directed that the two officers be buried with full military honours in recognition of their service to the people of South Africa.

He congratulates the success of the joint operation of the South African Police Services, the South African National Defence Force and the intelligence Services which resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of most of the stolen weapons and ammunition. The President is assured by the law enforcement agencies that more arrests are imminent.
The President advises those who still contemplate any kind of action which amounts to a breach of the security of the state and the citizens of the Republic of South Africa to abandon their fruitless efforts.

The reaction of the security forces, and the speed with which the weapons and ammunition were recovered is an indication of the preparedness of the government to effectively deal with any kind of threat to the safety of our people and the integrity of the state.

The President appeals to leaders of all political parties, irrespective of political affiliation, to desist from misleading members of the public by creating the false impression that they could achieve by other means what they have failed to attain by democratic means and peaceful negotiations. They are exposing gullible people to danger and destroying the future of young people whose preoccupation should be raising their children and giving comfort to their families.

In addition to our democratic parliament, which is a true reflection of our rainbow nation, Deputy President Thabo Mbeki is creating a mechanism through which what remains of minority fears or frustration can still be addressed. The President urges all those who have a contribution to make to co-operate with the government.

The government is however aware of manoeuvres by criminal elements to cultivate a political justification for their illegal activities. They are assured of a competent response from the state. The President again appeals to leaders of parties not to, even unwittingly give political sanctuary to scoundrels who are manipulating the insecurity of innocent people.

Issued by Office of the President 5 June 1998