Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Information and Publicity, Minister Jeff Radebe, said the comments by Deputy Minister Maphatsoe were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the views and position of the South African government.

Deputy Minister Maphatsoe made the remarks at the tombstone unveiling of an Umkhonto weSizwe combatant in Soweto on Saturday.

“Government distances itself from such accusations, as they were never discussed at any official government meeting nor do they reflect the views and thinking of government,” Minister Radebe said on Tuesday.

He said the allegations against any country or persons, including those responsible for guarding and upholding constitutional values, should be raised and addressed at appropriate platforms.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/government-detaches-itself-cia-allegations