Special Report Transcript Episode 24, Section 5, Time 24:49

Now for some of the nagging questions. South African radar kept track of Machel’s plane until it disappeared. The radar records make it pretty clear that here was a foreign aircraft coming from the north and heading for South African air space. It disappeared off the radar screen as it crossed the border. Why was no alert sound or report made? The first record of official knowledge of the crash was when a local villager phoned the police at 11 that night. The first medical attention was given when the Komatipoort district surgeon arrived around one o’clock in the morning. Another question, right from the start all media matters regarding the crash were handled by South African Military Intelligence and not by Foreign Affairs as would normally be the case. In fact Military Intelligence ran an intensive international propaganda campaign to discredit the Russian crew and technology and to squash all accusations at South Africa. Military Intelligence actively participated in the making of this propaganda film, broadcast on the SABC and marketed elsewhere.

Notes: Max du Preez; SA Military Intelligence at site of crashed plane

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