Rogue State Security Agency (SSA) boss Arthur Fraser must be fired. He has retained his post despite mounting allegations against him that make it clear that he cannot be left in charge of the spy agency.
The revelation that Fraser has attempted to shut down the Inspector General of Intelligence's investigations of these allegations makes his removal all the more urgent.
According to court documents filed by the Inspector General of Intelligence, Dr Setlhomamaru Dintwe, Fraser has interfered heavily in the Inspector General's work, including revoking Dintwe's security clearance.
The Inspector General of Intelligence is appointed by Parliament to oversee the conduct of the intelligence agencies and safeguard against exactly this kind of abuse of power. In light of the growing evidence of widespread abuses inside the intelligence structures, including corruption, illegal surveillance and continued politicisation, this office needs to be protected from harassment and intimidation. In fact, urgent reforms are needed to strengthen its independence and bolsters its powers, and make it more transparent and accountable to the public.
The Right2Know Campaign calls for the following:
- President Cyril Ramaphosa must fire the securocrats in the intelligence agencies, starting with Arthur Fraser.
- These agencies must be staffed by individuals who are independent, credible and untainted by past abuses of power.
- Police must investigate the allegations against Fraser as a criminal matter.
- Parliament must start kick-start a long-overdue reform process for the intelligence structures - including implementation of the Matthews Commission's findings. We want transparency, oversight and accountability at every level.
- Parliament must ensure the Inspector General of Intelligence is given the necessary independence and resources to root out the rot in South Africa's intelligence agencies - from top to bottom.
Issued by R2K