S. African target of sex abuse allegations

S. African target of sex abuse allegations

Agencies, Jakarta

Officials at the Indonesian foreign ministry said Monday they were aware of alleged sexual misconduct involving the South African envoy, but underlined that even if the allegations were true the government could do nothing as the ambassador enjoyed diplomatic immunity.

Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Marty Natalegawa said that no evidence had been offered that would justify a government move against Ambassador Norman M. Mashabane.

"Thus far, nothing has been proved. So, we will not do anything as we have no right to take action as all ambassadors enjoy diplomatic immunity," Marty told The Jakarta Post.

He said the South African government had conducted an internal inquiry into the case but had never confirmed the allegations.

Opposition group, gender and rights activists in South Africa lashed out at the Pretoria government for sending Mashabane back to Jakarta despite the many allegations against him, Deutsche Press-Agentur reported.

They argued that Mashabane should have been suspended when explicit details of his predatory sexual exploits against staff in Jakarta emerged at a foreign affairs department disciplinary hearing in December 2001.

Had he been suspended or dismissed, the latest incident, reportedly involving a South African woman subordinate of the ambassador in Jakarta, could have been prevented, they suggested in a report carried by South Africa's Sunday Independent this week.

"Mashabane is not fit to represent our country, he is an embarrassment," said South African Independent Democrat leader Patricia de Lille as quoted by DPA.

Ambassador Mashabane and South African Embassy counsellor in Jakarta Mike Mambukwe were not available for comment on Monday. Operators of cell phones they subscribe to said they were out of reach or their cell phones were not switched on.

Mashabane began his ambassadorial duties here in 2001.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for Africa Bali Moniaga told the Post that there had been rumors since the envoy's arrival here, but since they had nothing to do with diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Indonesian government had taken no action.

"It is a personal matter and beyond our authority in the absence of legal proof ... the relations between the two countries are good," Bali said.

He said that in 2001 a victim had complained about Mashabane to the local police, but there had been no follow up on the report.

"I am not sure, but maybe there was an out-of-court settlement," Bali said.

However, he maintained that the allegations could be part of political maneuvers by Mashabane's opponents as an election in South Africa will be held in 2004.

"We should be aware of possible political maneuvers against him," Bali said.