Evidence before the Hefer Commission of Inquiry - extensively reported in this newspaper - has left little doubt that there is no credible substance to reports suggesting that the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Bulelani Ngcuka, was or could have been an apartheid spy.

The reports were based on information from seemingly credible sources and documents that, at the time, appeared to support the allegations concerning Ngcuka.

Since then - after a full, exhaustive and ongoing investigation by the Hefer Commission, and from information that has surfaced from reluctant witnesses - it has become apparent that the information given to City Press at the time of publication was devoid of truth, contrived and misleading.

In view of what has since transpired, as well as the admission to the Hefer Commission of "reckless" editorial management of the material by former City Press editor Vusi Mona, City Press retracts the relevant news reports and editorial comment.

We apologise unreservedly to Ngcuka and his office, the NDPP.

Mona's intimation to the commission that the City Press senior editorial team supported his strictly personal endeavour to break ranks with editors of other publications by putting the contents of an off-the-record briefing by Ngcuka in the public domain, is rejected.

He made his intention to expose the contents of the Ngcuka briefing clear to City Press on September 23, 2003 - nine weeks after the briefing on July 24. He was deliberately questioned by the City Press senior editorial management about the time that had lapsed between the briefing and his intention to break ranks with his co-editors. Concerns were put to him that he could be violating the paper's code of ethics.

Mona then - after he stepped down as editor of City Press - acted in his personal capacity. Mona - again after stepping down - sent his version of what transpired at the Ngcuka briefing to the Public Protector, the Chief Justice, the Human Rights Commission, the Minister of Justice and to City Press. In doing so, he put the issue in the public domain. City Press reported on his actions but refrained from publishing his version of events.

City Press is a proud newspaper with a rich history and tradition of acting in the public interest. It upholds universal journalistic ethics and norms, such as the protection of its sources. This includes the sanctity of off-the-record briefings and the right to free speech.

City Press believes that professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility, and we adhere to that. City Press does not tolerate being "used" or compromised, as has been the case in this instance.

We recognise that the dignity and reputation of Ngcuka and his office have been harmed by the inaccuracy and untruthfulness of reports that he may have been a spy for the apartheid government.

We admit that we erred and accordingly offer our sincere apologies to Ngcuka in his personal and professional capacity.

With acknowledgements to Wally Mbhele and City Press.