'Sex tapes no one's business'

2006-03-19 14:34

Johannesburg - Steamy footage of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism MEC Narend Singh with a married Durban socialite was not in the public interest, Singh said in a statement on Sunday.

"I am most concerned by the recent publications in the media involving myself which relates to a personal and private matter, and in respect of which I have not waived any of my rights to privacy.

"The subject matter of these publications is clearly in my view not in the public interest," he said.

Reports by the Sunday Times say the DVD - widely distributed in the province - showed Singh and wealthy socialite Rosanne Narandas in a lengthy sex session at Durban's Elangeni Hotel.

Both Singh and Narandas are married.

In his statement Singh said the material (footage) was the subject of an ongoing investigation he had initiated with the police.

"In the circumstances it is inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

"However, I wish to confirm my family's fullest support, and I am also very encouraged by messages of support I have received from various community leaders, friends and politicians."

The recording was pushed through residents' personal post boxes, handed out at some taxi ranks and even exchanged among pupils at some high schools.

The Sunday Times said the movie opened with the two "kissing, fondling and drinking liquor mixed with coke."

Narandas apparently fondled Singh, kissed him and repeatedly rubbed her pelvis against him before they had intercourse.

It appeared Narandas was conscious of the cameras, first preening herself and later turning towards Singh so his face was captured.

She denied she had a spy camera in her handbag, telling the Sunday Times she was being framed.

Singh is a leading member of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

- SAPA