12 December 2013
The Department of State Security has confirmed that the photograph of President Mandela, purported to be of him lying in his casket at the Union Buildings, is a fake.
Government finds it extremely distasteful that a member of the public would engage is such behaviour and manipulate a photograph of President Mandela at this time.
We thank all members of the public who have acted respectfully as they bid farewell to Tata Madiba as he lies in state at the Union Buildings for playing their part.
We appeal to members of the public to please behave with the same dignity and respect as President Mandela lies in the state for the third and final day on Friday 13 December 2013.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Acting Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 5010 139
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)