Britain kicks out SA diplomat

2006-10-08 14:41

Johannesburg - A senior South African diplomat to the High Commission in London was sent packing for allegedly attempting to defeat the ends of justice, The Sunday Independent newspaper reported.

It is believed the official's 12-year-old son was under investigation by British police when he apparently took him out of the country. The boy was believed to have been caught with a "spray gun" at school.

However the diplomat, who cannot be named to protect the identity of both his minor sons, insists that he cleared the trip with his boss Lindiwe Mabuza.

The department of foreign affairs confirmed that the diplomat was asked to return to South Africa.

Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa was quoted in the newspaper as saying: "As far as the department is concerned, the official being recalled is still an official in good standing."

The official's other son, a 16-year-old, was also being investigated by British police after he and some of his friends allegedly held a youth at knife-point and robbed him of an MP3 player.

- SAPA