7 October 2008
The SACP welcomes the strong statement (as quoted in the Daily News yesterday) made by the new Minister of Intelligence, Cde Siyabonga Cwele, against some of the activities of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and that some of its operatives are involved in unauthorised and unlawful spying on civilians; and that he is going to act firmly against these practices.
The SACP has on numerous occasions in the past expressed its deep concerns about the abuse of state organs to fight internal political battles in our movement, and our concerns about some of the activities of the NIA, including surveillance on some of our leaders. Unfortunately these concerns have never been seriously addressed.
We therefore urge Minister Cwele to go into the bottom of these practices in the intelligence agencies with a view to totally eliminating such abuses. In addition we hope that those found to have been involved in such illegal activities must be dealt with, without any fear or favour.
The SACP also calls upon the Minister to ensure that the report commissioned by the previous Minister of Intelligence be publicly released. This can go a long way towards ensuring that illegal and unlawful practices are completely stamped out of state organs, including in the intelligence agencies.
Issued by the SACP
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802