State spooks may have spied illegally on SABC staff

THE State Security Agency (SSA) seems to have spied on South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) employees without permission from a judge.

Justice and correctional services minister Michael Masutha revealed in a written reply yesterday that designated judge Yvonne Mokgoro, in terms of the Regulation of Interceptions of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act, doesn’t recall granting permission to the SABC and SSA to intercept communication of any employee. This comes after evidence revealed that the SSA investigated certain SABC staff members after they allegedly leaked information about the public broadcaster.

This was revealed during a recent parliamentary inquiry into the SABC.

“Judge Makgoro has informed me that she has not, to the best of her recollection, authorised the State Security Agency to intercept the communications of any individuals said to be working for the South African Broadcasting Corporation during the periods mentioned,” said Masutha.

He was responding to a question from DA MP Mike Waters.

Waters said the DA would now ask the Inspector-General of Intelligence, Dr Setlhomamaru Dintwe, to investigate the allegations by SABC journalists that their communications were monitored and intercepted by the SSA.

Former SABC general manager of labour relations Madiwe Nkosi told the hearings that the SSA was asked to investigate the former group executive of risk and governance, Itani Tseisi, for allegedly having leaked information.

“If Judge Mokgoro did not authorise the alleged tapping, it is possible it was done without authorisation, which is a criminal offence,” said Waters.

SSA spokesperson Brian Dube had not responded to questions on the alleged tapping by deadline. — TMG