'No probe' into top SA envoy
08/10/2006 16:26  - (SA)  

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Johannesburg - A senior South African diplomat at the high commission in London was not under investigation for allegedly attempting to defeat the ends of justice, said the department of foreign affairs on Sunday.

Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said: "At this stage, we are not aware of any charge that has been brought against the official, and it would be incorrect for us to spell out the nature of the misdemeanour when there is no charge."

"By mutual agreement between the South African government and the British government, the diplomat will be recalled to Pretoria."

The recall, Mamoepa said was occasioned by an alleged misdemeanour committed by his children in London.

Can be asked to lift indemnity

According to the Sunday Independent, the official's 12-year-old son was under investigation by British police for taking a "spray gun" to school.

His 16-year-old son was also reportedly under investigation for allegedly holding a youth at knife-point and stealing his MP3 player.

Mamoepa said: "In terms of protocol, if a diplomat or his next of kin, who is covered by diplomatic immunity, commits an offence in a foreign country, the host country is entitled to request the sending country to lift the diplomatic indemnity."

Mamoepa said that the diplomat was still "in good standing before the eyes of foreign affairs."

- SAPA

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