South Africa mum as 'spy' held in Zimbabwe

South Africa mum as 'spy' held in Zimbabwe

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By Staff Reporter

THE South African government is mum on the fate of a suspected spy arrested in Zimbabwe in a trap laid by one of his "informants".

The country's foreign affairs department referred enquiries to the intelligence services, while the presidency directed reporters to the department. "I have no instructions on this matter at the moment," said Ronnie Mamoepa, a foreign affairs spokesperson.

Lorna Daniels, a spokesperson for the intelligence ministry, the National Intelligence Agency and the SA Secret Service, also declined to comment. "We are not commenting on this matter at all," she said. "It is an operational matter that can't be dealt with in public."

The Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria referred enquiries to the information ministry in Harare, which could not be reached this afternoon. Media reports said the South African agent was arrested at Victoria Falls last month and was being held by Zimbabwean authorities. He reportedly broke down under interrogation and revealed the names of Zimbabwean "agents" he was handling.

His arrest apparently exposed at least five alleged spies, four or whom have reportedly been detained. Three of them were apparently officials of the ruling Zanu(PF) party, and one a diplomat stationed in South Africa. The City Press newspaper reported the man's arrest was due to his attempt to recruit the head of counter intelligence of the Zimbabwean Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).

The two apparently made arrangements to meet in Livingstone, Zambia, but the CIO officer asked to meet at Victoria Falls instead. It was reportedly a trap. - Sapa
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