PORT ELIZABETH, August (ANA) - The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) has launched an independent investigation into the allegations contained in the book "The Lost Boys of Bird Island", as well into the circumstances surrounding co-author Mark Minnie's death.
Just a week after the book was released earlier this month, Minnie was found dead with a gunshot wound to his head at a friend's farm in Theescombe in Port Elizabeth. A suicide note was also discovered at the property.
The book, which details high-ranking former National Party officials allegedly being part of a paedophile ring involving cabinet ministers and businessmen in the late 1980s, is a collaboration between journalist Chris Steyn and Minnie.
At a memorial service held in Port Elizabeth on Friday, Steyn told reporters that all Minnie ever wanted was a proper investigation into the allegations contained in the book.
"All Mark ever wanted was a proper investigation into the allegations and hopefully justice for the victims," she said.
Steyn said the primary concern was eventual justice for the victims and although Minnie's voice was now gone, she still remained and would continue to be the voice the victims never had.
Steyn said that she was prepared to accept the finding that Mark had taken his own life, however, she believed that there were events in the days leading up to the death that coerced him.
"I do not believe that he would have done that because he necessarily feared for his own life, I believe that he had a very good reason to do it, possibly to protect other people," said Steyn.
Steyn added that she was sad and angry to have lost Minnie but was determined to finish the work they had started together.
- African News Agency (ANA),
UPDATE:
Media24 has apologised for the publication of defamatory statements regarding Mr Barend Du Plessis in the books "The Lost Boys of Bird Island" and "Die Seuns Van Bird Island" and for the emotional harm that the publication of the books may have caused the Malan and Wiley families.
Here are all the relevant apologies and dates they were issued:
Press Release – 3 March 2020
In the book The Lost Boys of Bird Island and its translated version, Die seuns van Bird Island, statements are made which may suggest that Mr Barend du Plessis, though not mentioned by name, might have been involved in the sexual abuse of underaged boys. While attempts were made to conceal his identity, NB Publishers accepts that the books contain sufficient information to identify Mr Du Plessis as an involved party.
The contested statements could not be verified independently.
NB Publishers unreservedly apologises for the publication of these allegations to the extent that they implicate Mr Du Plessis, and for the attendant infringement of his dignity and impairment of his reputation, as well as the emotional distress this caused him and his family.
NB Publishers has withdrawn unsold copies of both the Afrikaans and English editions of the book from bookshops and the e-book has been removed from online e-trade platforms.
Press Release – 17 April 2020
After weighing up a number of factors, NB Publishers decided to withdraw the book The Lost Boys of Bird Island and its translated version, Die seuns van Bird Island from circulation in both print and digital formats. Furthermore, the book will not be reprinted. NB regrets and sincerely apologises for the emotional harm that the publication of the book may have caused the Malan and Wiley families.
Press Release – 28 April 2020
Ishmet Davidson, as CEO and on behalf of Media24, extends an unreserved and sincere apology to Barend du Plessis and his family as well as to the Malan and Wiley families for the harm caused by the allegations contained in the book The Lost Boys of Bird Island.
Media24 acknowledges that these allegations are unfounded and the book itself has already been withdrawn from trade - both in digital and print formats.
A settlement offer of R3 000 000 is extended to Barend du Plessis as compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the allegations in question
