Publication: Sunday Argus Issued: Date: 2005-10-23 Reporter: Political Staff

ANC Rift: 'State Organs Unleashed'

 

Publication 

Sunday Argus

Date

2005-10-23

Reporter
Political Staff

Web Link

www.capeargus.co.za

 

Fresh allegations that state organs have been unleashed by both sides in the war between the ANC's two top leaders have deepened the crisis in the ruling party.

The announcement this week of the suspension of three National Intelligence Agency (NIA) officials - director-general Billy Masetlha, Gibson Njenje and Bob Mhlanga - for spying on top ANC executive Saki Macozoma is now followed by claims made to The Sunday Independent, sister newspaper of the Sunday Argus, that e-mails sent via the government communication system have been intercepted.

Some of these messages indicate involvement by top civil servants in the succession war between President Thabo Mbeki and his axed deputy, Jacob Zuma.

Communications allegedly spied on include e-mails between senior state and ANC officials - about how they will rid the ruling party of "stumbling blocks" in the succession fracas. It is alleged the communications have been unlawfully intercepted by NIA agents.

Among the organisations said to be under such surveillance is the Scorpions, with claims that top NIA officials have files on their counterparts in the elite crime-busting organisation which is prosecuting Zuma.


The spying revelations have raised fears that the leadership battle which has divided the ruling party has had the same effect on important organs of the state, including the crucial security elements. This is said to involve senior officials in a range of government institutions including the police, the
NIA and the National Prosecuting Authority.

A top ANC official expressed fears that senior officials in both camps were using their government positions to collect dirt on Mbeki and Zuma to advance the interests of one or other side in the political battle.

Claims of other instances of illicit spying include that of ANC Youth League's president Fikile Mbalula, a staunch Zuma supporter, who said he too was a victim.

Intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils has warned top NIA management that the intelligence services are expected to be non-partisan.

With ackowledgements to the Sunday Argus.