Government has noted with great concern the allegations of espionage against the Head of the Office of the Public Protector and certain political leaders in our country.

The Minister of State Security, David Mahlobo, released a statement on 25 February 2015 wherein he raised a concern regarding social media reports alleging the espionage activities. The Minister further indicated that the government was going to look further into this matter.

These allegations made are in relation to the Head of the Office of the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela as well as other political figures, such as Julius Malema, Lindiwe Mazibuko and Joseph Mathunjwa. A search conducted on these allegations made, led Government to the following website: africainteligenceleaks.wordpress.com, including other social media platforms.

The State Security Agency looked at the matter with great concern, as these allegations will impact negatively on our hard-won democracy and will undermine the independence and credibility of our democratic institutions.

The State Security Agency, working with other departments within the security cluster will institute an investigation in order to verify and determine the veracity of the allegations made.

Furthermore, the State Security Agency working with the entire Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster will continue focusing on its core mandate of ensuring that South Africans are protected, secured and safe.

Issued by the Department of Communications on behalf of State Security Agency