18 July 2003

Walter Nomvete:  A South African 419 Scammer. Got this letter in my mail today.  Filed it in my 419 Scam Folder, along with the other 75 irresistible offers I have received.  Sir, I will advise that you read thoroughly and carefully, through this mail. This transaction is highly confidential and 100% risk free. It should be strictly between you and me.I apologise if you might term this as "unsolicited". I am a director in the department of Minerals and Energy here in South Africa formerly mandated to head the committee that looked into failed, uncompleted and over-invoiced contracts in my Department. During the course of investigation it was found that the sum of US$ 23.5m[Twenty three million five thousand US Dollar] was issued for an over invoiced contract but this said money is in a South African Federal Reserve Bank suspense account. Owing to the policy in the country as against public servants operating foreign account and also to have that kind of huge amount in our local accounts,I am soliciting for an individual to transfer this money into his foreign account for personal investment purpose. Note clearly that this transaction has been well planned. I have followed all the required official contract award/ payment procedures, and all documents to facilitate the smooth conclusion of this transaction are legitimate and officially in order. There is no problem, this contract is LEGAL. THIS TRANSACTION IS A BUSINESS DEAL BETWEEN YOU AND I, BUT IT IS LEGITIMATE AND GENUINE TO THE AUTHORITIES.  I want to assure you that you have nothing to fear about, your main priority should be to give us your total co-operation, and follow my advice /instruction. You should consider this transaction as already successful & concluded. What is required is for us to have you registered as a foreign contractor with my Department as a contractor, for this I would require you to provide me with your company name,address and phone with fax number for the registration, it is after this has been done that I will make you the sole beneficiary of the fund and submit for payment processing to your nominated account to the relevant ministry. Consider this transaction as successful and completed for I have taken care of all modalities and official procedures involved legitimately and as required. Note clearly that as top Government officials in South Africa, occupying very sensitive top Government position we receive little salaries compared to our positions. Once more I want you to understand that this transaction is 100% risk free. We will discuss the percentage to be given to you before we proceed. Thanks in anticipation of you support. sincerely, Walter Nomvete email:wnomvete@zwallet.com Thnaks, but no thanks, Comrade Walter. 6:54:54 PM    comment []

Greek Prime Minister Simitis to crack down on corruption?  (The Economist, July 10). Well, one would certainly hope so.  After all, he has an election to fight next year, he is lagging 9% in the opinion polls, Greek people are fed-up with the corruption associated with 20 years of PASOK government, and Simitis needs to gain control of his fractious party, after focussing on the EU presidency for the last 6 months. 6:20:18 PM    comment []

Bush in Africa, on Slavery Transcript of GWB's speech at Goree Island. 5:53:09 PM    comment []

Bush in Africa, on Slavery Transcript of GWB's speech at Goree Island. And The Economist wraps up his tour with an excellent summary.   5:52:43 PM    comment []