Seasoned intelligence operative to head SSA

A CAREER intelligence operative and former deputy director-general in the Department of Home Affairs, Arthur Fraser, was on Monday appointed the new director-general of the State Security Agency (SSA).

Fraser has served the department in various operational capacities, culminating in his appointment as deputy director-general for operations in the then National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

“We believe Mr Fraser is equal to the task and will provide the necessary leadership that will ensure the agency is able to deliver on its constitutional and legal mandate of upholding national security,” State Security Minister David Mahlobo said on Monday.

“Mr Fraser is not new in the intelligence community‚ having served in various operational capacities. He brings with him immense understanding and knowledge of the intelligence environment and his astute managerial experience which will help move the organisation forward,” a statement from the department said.

Fraser was once regarded as a supporter of former president Thabo Mbeki when he was head of the NIA’s powerful operations division.

Media reports at the time alleged he played a key role in the now infamous spy tapes saga.

The Mail & Guardian reported in 2009 that he had “saved” President Jacob Zuma’s political life when he allegedly leaked to Zuma’s lawyers the secret recordings that let him off the hook on corruption charges.

In late April 2016‚ however‚ the High Court in Pretoria set aside the prosecuting authority’s decision to drop corruption charges against Zuma.

The current National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shaun Abrahams‚ has the responsibility of deciding whether to proceed with a prosecution.