Ostensibly, he had come here to have a
discussion with the Manager of the “Iyampe’ Shirt Factory”, a “Chinese”-owned
BEE company,- he being an Executive Director of the Board. In actual fact, the
owners
were not Chinese at all, but North Koreans, who had via China (the Chinese
authorities had no idea that the applicants were not Chinese citizens), applied
for permits to operate in South Africa. The Managing Director, Hu Lyang was in
fact the Station Chief for Africa, of the much-feared North Korean Intelligence
Agency – the Korean version of Erich Honecker’s East German Stasi, where Hu
Lyang had originally been trained. He was also a member of the elite Bureau 39
– a government agency that ran a host of criminal business activities – selling
heroin, cocaine and opium to dealers in China and Russia, producing counterfeit
Brand Name cigarettes, and even distributing counterfeit American dollars.
Profits from these illegal activities were distributed amongst certain members
of the North Korean Government elite.
Hu Lyang, had met the South African Cabinet Minister at a Communist Party Political Rally in P’yongyang, and realized that he would be an ideal candidate for subversion and bribery, and would fit in to the campaign that they were preparing in South Africa. He had already com-promised one of SA’s top BEE businessmen who was embroiled in drug-running – an extremely profitable operation with drugs channelled from North Korea, Colombia and Mexico by Bureau 39.
By careful cultivation, he had completely won the trust of the Minister, who had far greater political ambitions than anyone realized. He fuelled these ambitions with flattery and hard cash. The Minister revealed to Hu Lyang that he had his sights set on the highest political office in South Africa – the Presidency - and inferred that he had many supporters within the ANC and also amongst the Inkatha Freedom Party leaders, who were champing at the bit, to see him replace the present Leader. There had also been a change of leadership within the DA, and the new leader had already visited him secretly – he was sure that there were leaders of the smaller parties, who would prefer to see him in power, rather than the present incumbent.
This information was passed on to P’yongyang,
and the President himself, Kim Jong-II, personally invited the Minister for a
private visit to North Korea, where he was feted and lavishly entertained –
best of all though, a private bank account with a sizeable deposit, was opened
for him in Geneva - after all, nothing was too good for a future President of
South Africa!. The rivalry between North Korea and China was at a
high pitch, both countries needed land for expansion and Africa was the
solution – especially for Korea…. and Kim Jong-II was determined to be the
winner at any cost!
________________
CHAPTER 14
‘Cut!…’ shouted James and stepped forward to look through the viewfinder, to see exactly where the cameraman had ended his shot. The shooting was almost complete and he looked forward to seeing the day’s rushes that evening – they were the final rushes of the documentary production, that he had been commissioned to produce - and it looked as though, he had planned correctly. The documentary was destined for the BBC screens, and he had a strict deadline – thank goodness the local film processing laboratories, aptly named “Film Lab”, were technically with it, and reliable, thanks to the management of Tony Boys – he could imagine having to wait for rushes, being couriered from the “Labs” in London – what a hassle that would have been! The BBC at this point in time, still preferred to have their quality “doccies” on 35mm film, so one had to forego the ease and flexibility which videotape gave. To correct a bad exposure or lighting on film, was a costly and time-devouring business – re-takes cost money, and where you had a tight budget this added to the stress! – However… film-making was a disease that was almost impossible to cure, and there were bonuses, not always monetary, but nevertheless enjoyments… not found in the usual, humdrum work pursuits – such as the “birds” who were always there on the shoots…. the parties, the “freebies”, the travelling…he smiled to himself, thinking how travelling had altered his whole way of life………
He was on his way to Dublin, on the early
morning Aer Lingus flight from London, which was unusually full for this day of
the week – however, the fact that Ireland was now the place to be, if you were
anyone in the “IT” business - with one
of the healthiest economies in Europe, even the young job-seekers no longer had
to go to “Amerikay”, or go “...lookin’ for gold in the streets of London Town!”
– indeed, many of the migrants had returned – those migrants who had retained
their properties in Ireland, now found that they had very good investments.
Bertie Aherne,
had proved to be one of the most competent and capable Taoiseachs, Eire had
ever had - he had carefully used the economic advantages resulting from Jack
Lynch’s joining Eire to the EU… as a
base for further changes - such as the change from Punts to Euros, which had
been a very successful and timely move. Bertie’s successor, Bryan Cowan, although not as popular as his
mentor, but being a loyal supporter, continued to follow Bertie’s planning and
policies. He had kept Ireland afloat successfully during the so-called
engineered “Recession” that had caused so much havoc and unemployment in the
EU….
James looked up, as a swarthy Arabic-looking fellow, took the seat alongside his. Soon they were chatting, and after light refreshments were served, the Arab confided that he had never been to Ireland before and was not too sure about what queues to stand in on landing – James offered to show him and did so.
After his luncheon meeting at the elegant “Sachs Hotel” in Morehampton Road with Morgan O’Sullivan, the prominent Irish documentary-film maker, James returned to the “Montrose Hotel” in Stillorgan Road, Donnybrook – conveniently near to the “Telefis Eireann Broadcasting Studios” (RTE), whose modern facilities James often used. James had originally brokered the sale of some of their used equipment to the SABC in South Africa, when TV had finally started.
He sat down on one of the stools at the long-bar in the pub and ordered a Guinness as a starter…. starter indeed! - the glass was huge and the taste of course, unique – like Coca Cola… no one else could duplicate it!. He glanced around idly - the usual clientele of businessmen and foreign visitors. The TV behind the bar was tuned to the BBC news,… the normal political squabbling – then a photograph of an Arabic man –‘…….the Metropolitan Police are seeking Hassan al Qwattar in connection with the bombing that took place outside of Harrod’s early this morning. Anyone with any relevant information should contact Chief Inspector Eric Dowling, of the Anti-Terrorist Squad at Scotland Yard, on the telephone number now appearing on this screen…’ James hurriedly pulled out his pen, and jotted down the information.
The man that was shown on the TV, was the Arab that had sat alongside him, on the Aer Lingus flight! He rushed from the bar to his room upstairs where he could use the phone in privacy…
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CHAPTER 15
The Chief Inspector was very excited to receive the information on the whereabouts of the suspect – James also gave him the name of the Taxi company, whose name was emblazoned on the cab, that the Arab had climbed climb into.
Dowling said that he would be contacting his opposite number in the Gardai and would be on the next flight to Dublin – he hoped to see James later that evening, if it fitted in with his arrangements?… James affirmed, even though it didn’t really suit him, as he had a date with a young Irish girl, who always did neg-cutting for him, utilising the facilities available at the well-equipped Ardmore Studios outside Bray. She would usually end up spending the night with him at the Montrose – where he vigorously changed the Hotel’s address, from “Stillorgan Road” to “Sti..organ Road”!………
____________
After the third round of Jameson’s, Dowling thanked him once again for the information, which had enabled the Gardai to arrest not only the suspect, but also four other Arabic terrorists. He handed James his card and suggested that they have a drink together in London, once James had returned there.
James saw him off, - with a sigh of relief, had another quick Jameson’s and rushed upstairs where he had another “suspect” waiting, whom he would personally interrogate “in depth”!…
_________________
CHAPTER 16
James arrived at the Army and Navy Club in London, and joined Eric Dowling and a tall, greying, military-looking man called Angus Campbell at their table. Eric said that he had spoken of James’ contribution, to the apprehension of the terrorists, to Angus, who wished to meet him.
After going through the whole story again, Angus said to James,’..you know that you are ideally positioned, bearing in mind the nature of your work, to be of great use to my department…
Being a film-maker, you travel around a lot,
- at times, in trouble spots, ask questions that a normal citizen wouldn’t do -
and officialdom, or
military, accept your being there, because of the cameras – Ah! - the power of
the media – point a camera, and everybody is spell-bound indeed!…. Would you
consider becoming a part-time member of our organization? – You would be doing
your country a great service - as a matter of fact, both your countries, seeing
that you have a South African passport as well as a British one and South
Africa is now a key player in the Africa arena … Britain still has large
financial interests and historical ties there, which we wish to safeguard!. You
don’t have to give me an answer right now…. here is my card – the phone number
is a direct line to me on my mobile from anywhere in the world…I see you are
looking a bit wary – don’t worry, it’s legitimate - we are an agency listed as
a section of the Foreign Office – I appear on the Official FO Personnel
listings as an Under-Secretary. You and I will never meet at our offices,
mostly here at the Club – officially, we have never met!. There will be a
salary payment made to you, which will be paid into an account in your name on
the Isle of Man – we won’t tax you on this, and neither will the South African
Revenue Services, because they won’t know! - you will pay your travelling
expenses in the way that you normally do, and we will recompense you via the
account. I will also contact you on your cell-phone, when a personal meeting is
not necessary or viable - it’s up to you.. you don’t have to give me an answer
now, …go away and think about it, then let me know via the phone number on the
card, …I do hope that we will be working together!…….’
And that was how James’ double-life started.
Aside from the editing room that he had at his offices in Rosebank, James had built a small studio at the back of his house in Sandton – which contained an editing suite, both for film and videotape – this was especially useful for when he had footage which was connected to his work for the Foreign Office – therefore, for his eyes only.
Tonight however, it was the documentary that he had completed shooting today. He was completely absorbed and involved with the Final cut, when his cell-phone buzzed.
Damn!, he thought irritably, people always
seem to phone just when I’m
busy. He grabbed the cell-phone and jabbed the communication button….
‘James old chap, how are you…haven’t caught you at a delicate moment have I? - Good, something has come up - fortunately it’s in your neck of the woods, so no flights involved. There has been an inordinate amount of movement lately from China and also from North Korea – numerous flight bookings from both countries to…guess where? – yes, Oliver Tambo International – even one or two bookings from the Soviet Bloc…..which is interesting because they have been keeping a quiet profile for some time now – the last items of note having been Putin’s change from President to Prime Minister, Litvinenko’s radium poisoning, supposedly on the orders of his President, the attempted poisoning of the former Soviet Premier, Yegor Gaidar in Ireland, the Georgian debacle and a bungled recent attempt on the life of Kim Jong-II in P’yongyang which made him finally appoint his youngest son as his successor – an event that one would think, no-one would have dared to attempt, knowing the North Korean’s proficiency with security!
Now, tomorrow night, the Johannesburg University Art Centre, is hosting a cocktail evening featuring Artworks from the East, evidently organized by our friend, the Cabinet Minister – the exhibition will be opened jointly by His Excellency, Wu Dawung, the Chinese Ambassador, and ANC stalwart, Kader Asmal who is a vigorous supporter of the Arts. We have contacted Annali Cabano-Dempsey, the curator, and have arranged for your name to appear on the guest list – they will hold an invite for you at the Art Centre entrance gate, so just give them your name – I think you should mingle with all the distinguished guests – all the ANC party big-shots will be there plus members of Parliament etc. Try to sniff out why the sudden influx to South Africa, - it may be nothing, but who knows? – so be a good fellow and enjoy the party! ……oh!…and don’t forget to let me have a report ASP!’
James had finalized the edit of the documentary and received the go-ahead from the BBC after they had viewed it via satellite, so now he could attend to the Art Gallery function, - he was actually looking forward to it.
‘Of course I’m coming to the exhibition with
you, you don’t think I’ll leave
you on your own there, with all those randy bitches sniffing around, - even an
old goat like you, could get picked up!’ – so that settled that,- Holly didn’t
miss a beat!…….
_____________
He left Holly comfortably ensconced, chatting merrily to Moira McMurray, the well-known painter of felines, and her smilingly friendly husband, Dave, and commenced to circulate. He spotted Pallo Jordan, the one-time Minister of Arts and Culture waxing forth to Tokyo Sexwale, who was more than likely to be telling him about his latest vintage, being somewhat more involved with his wine-farms, than discussing Art – his wife Judy trying to appear interested, but obviously wanting to look at the art-works on display. His eye roamed over the crowd, stopping on Hilton Dennis, the “Stasi”-trained Head of the South African Secret Service trying to be unobtrusive, but nevertheless having attention drawn to himself, by the loud voice of his friend, Ronnie Kasrils, who was waving his arms around excitedly – but it was the third member of their group that was of interest to James – it was Rory Collett, Marianne’s Uncle – chatting animatedly to the well-known socialite, Enid Villiers - what was he doing there? - wonder what the hell they were talking about?. James was just about to walk over to the group, when one of the waiters intercepted him, offering an assortment of snacks. James accepted a plate upon which he placed a few snacks, then plate in one hand, his drink in the other he turned towards where the group had been, but they were no longer there. He looked around but could not spot them anywhere.
The banking fraternity were also well represented. He observed Jacko Maree, the Standard Bank CEO, chatting seriously to Miles Ruck, Advocate George Bizos and an attentive Goolam Balim and Iraj Ibedian, the Economists and Jiang Jianqing the Chairman of the Industrial & Commercial Bank (ICBC) representing China’s 20% interest in Standard Bank, watched over by the ever-present Martie Schonborn. The last Standard Bank exhibition of note, the Picasso Exhibition, had proudly outdone all of the other galleries with good organization and fantastic élan – a very progressive group the Standard.
Sarah Sokolich, Viv Bartlett and Michael Jordaan of FNB were also seriously engrossed – the wives standing together, looking a bit forlorn. It was funny how the bankers all seemed to congregate together in one area, -perhaps to find out if their rivals were about to give the public better rates!
He noticed a “beginning-to-become rotund” FW de Klerck, who was chatting distractedly to a bored-looking, kilted, Patrick Craven of COSATU fame, whilst also trying to catch the eye of one of the bankers…. unsuccessfully – he gave up, left Craven and ambled purposefully towards the ‘limelight’ - a group of people being interviewed by a TV news-team – The Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk who was explaining his latest well-thought-out campaign, to an attentive audience -amongst them, of course, the wily Pik Botha who had finally become politically involved once more…….
Then James spotted the Cabinet Minister, who appeared to have had more than enough to drink. He was swaying slightly, and talking loudly to an Oriental gentleman who was trying to get him to lower his voice…. something was obviously upsetting him.
James moved a bit closer to them, and as he did so, he recognized the Oriental - it was Hu Lyang, the supposedly “Chinese” owner of the “Iyampe” Shirt Factory”, of which the Cabinet Minister was a Director.
Hu Lyang put an arm around the Cabinet Minister’s shoulder and manoeuvred him out of the exhibition room to the Gents toilets, the door closing behind them.
They were standing together at the urinals area, still arguing loudly – so they weren’t even aware of someone else entering the toilets.
James slipped in to the last toilet cubicle next to the first urinal, and closed and locked the door. He pulled a miniaturized tape-recorder from his pocket and pointed it in the general direction of the duo, confident that the sensitive microphone would pick up the noisy conversation.
Hu Lyang’s raised voice could clearly be
heard ..’..now you listen Mr. Minister – we have backed you financially for
quite some time now, and we will continue to do so, but you must play it our
way – you can’t go and act recklessly just because you feel impatient – there
is too much at stake, not only for us, but for you as well – your Geneva
account could be endangered … think about it – we could pull the plug anytime
we wished, and… I hate to say this,… but a word in the right place, and I
don’t think that your “struggle” comrades would be very sympathetic, do you?
-do you want to end up like Chris Hani ! – I know that Mao Tse–Tung once said
that ‘Political Power grows out of the barrel of a gun…’ – we are a bit more
sophisticated than that nowadays! – so don’t be impatient…. our plan is falling
in to place very nicely! – you will be the next President – and provided that you keep your promises to
my country, - I can guarantee it!’.
The Cabinet Minister replied incoherently and there was a scuffling sound, followed by someone breaking wind, and Hu Lyang’s voice at almost a screech, ‘…dammit Mr. Minister, point that bloody thing elsewhere, you’ve pissed all over my shoe and on my pants!’
James waited for them to leave before unlocking the toilet door – he noticed that the floor in front of the urinal was wet – poor old Hu Lyang, his shoe must have been drenched.
Arriving at home, James prepared his report for London – in reality it didn’t amount to much – all that he really learnt was that the Cabinet Minister, was being financed by the North Koreans… to become the next South African President, via an account in Geneva and that they had extracted promises from him, which would fall due when he took office – what the promises were, was anyone’s guess.
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CHAPTER 17
Eric Dowling on the other hand, seemed quite pleased with the report, especially the tape-recorded copy of the conversation between Hu Lyang and the Cabinet Minister – could be quite useful at some time in the future, when a bit of old British “diplomacy” might be called for, especially if there was a change in the Presidency.!
He told James that the Cabinet Minister had also had a party, for the Russian delegation, at his upmarket home in Houghton. He believed that an “Arts Appreciation” party was being held at the Minister’s holiday chalet at “Hartbeespoort Dam”, for the Chinese visitors, the next evening – one of Dowling’s “sleeper” agents was a member of the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria and he would see that an invitation was provided for James, being a “well-known lover of Chinese art”.
____________________
For once, Holly had an arrangement with some of her girlfriends for a “Girls Night”, so James set-off for Hartbeespoort on his own.
He enjoyed the scenic drive to the dam, which is situated in the midst of the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountain range, a well-known tourist destination in the North West. A sportsman’s paradise, especially for those addicted to water sports. Here were facilities for jet-skiing or windsurfing, also hot-air ballooning, hang gliding or paragliding all against scenic backgrounds. One could also view the countryside from the Hartbeespoort cable car service.
Then he spotted the lodge owned by the Minister – what a luxurious residence!…. with its own jetty and an expensive cabin-type motor cruiser, gently bobbing up and down at its mooring – an attractive “Chocolate Box” picture, reflected in the almost motionless water, air-brush tinted by the translucent rays of the setting sun - the Minister certainly wasn’t “suffering”!
He proffered his invite, to the burly guard on duty at the entrance to the chalet, and as he drove through the ornate metal gates, he noticed another guard seated in a small shelter, almost hidden in the fading light, half covered by tropical-type shrubs, who peered at him with suspicion – he was cradling an AK74 Assault rifle - the plastic magazine held 40 rounds of 5.45mm cartridges – a superior replacement for the AK 47 – the Minister obviously believed in well-armed security!
After greeting his host, James wandered over to the bar counter, and was relieved to see that they stocked Bell’s. Looking at the shelves behind the bar, they seemed to have every well-known brand of liquor available. The snack tables were almost groaning with the weight of all the goodies on display – and as usual, guests were stuffing their faces, as though they had not had a bite to eat for years…….in his film-makers imagination, he added the sound-track of pigs snuffling at the trough!….
Someone touched his shoulder lightly, and he
turned around to face Jock Mallin, a politician, who had at one time, been a member
of the previous regime’s National Intelligence Agency – today he worked for
Hilton Denis’ SASS – he had one arm around the shoulders of the ANC
former Secretary-General and short-term State President – now Vice President,
Kgalema Motlanthe, introducing him to
James as “my good friend” Comrade Kgalema,… meet my “good friend” the
well-known film producer’……..he really loved name-dropping, did Jock – an
accomplished survivor – like all politicians.
After exchanging pleasantries, James moved on to another group, amongst
which were old friends, Brenda and Reuben – she owned a well-known Art gallery
- very upmarket and pricey, whi