NYT reported this in 1990, we just didn't have confirmation and the name of the agent: http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/10/world/cia-tie-reported-in-mandela-arres

NYT reported this in 1990, we just didn't have confirmation and the name of the agent: http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/10/world/cia-tie-reported-in-mandela-arrest.html http://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/10/world/cia-tie-reported-in-... And it's still unclear whether anyone else was involved in the decision to tip off the police.