The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) wishes to confirm that it has become aware of a media report contained in the Cape Argus of Wednesday, 02 February 2005 under caption “ICD furore over Mbeki sex jokes”. The said media report stipulates that Mr Omar Lalla, attached to the ICD Western Cape is the source of the allegations that ICD officials are circulating sexually explicit jokes about President Thabo Mbeki on the organisation's email. From the outset, the ICD wishes to rectify inherent inaccuracies contained in the said report:

Mr Omar Lalla is not a senior ICD official. He is currently employed as a Case Worker and occupies an entry level position within the line function of the ICD.

The matter was never brought to the attention of ICD Senior Management either at the ICD Western Cape or the National office in Pretoria .

At no stage was a formal complaint laid at the police station. There was reportedly an attempt by Mr Lalla to lodge a complaint at the Caledon Square Police Station but the said complaint could not be accepted by the police virtue of insufficient evidence to warrant the opening of a docket.

The Executive Director of the ICD, Adv Karen McKenzie, has commissioned a comprehensive internal investigation following the said allegations. A full and detailed report will be disclosed immediately upon finality of the investigation. The investigation is premised on the basis that the ICD has a documented Internet Policy which clearly stipulates that the ICD staff members may not view download or distribute messages/documents of which the content is considered offensive or disruptive. The policy further describes offensive content as including but not limited to obscene or harassing language or images, racial, ethnic and sexual or gender specific comments or images or other comments that would offend others on the basis of their religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin or age.

The ICD wishes to also emphasise the importance of handling untested allegations responsibly and to this effect a policy is in place to deal with the manner in which allegations should be dealt with by staff members to avoid undue and improper damage to the ICD and innocent parties. As a result the internal investigation will simultaneously focus on issues covered in various policies relating to responsible handling of untested allegations.

The Executive Director of the ICD, Adv Karen McKenzie, has commented: “A detailed investigation has bee launched which includes expert assistance from the National Intelligence Agency and external forensic auditors. Any ICD employee who is implicated through this investigation will be dealt with severely. The ICD email and internet policies clearly emphasise the fact that these facilities are for official ICD and public service business”.

Steve Mabona
ICD National Spokesperson
Cell: 082 809 1927