Issued by: Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence
5 January 1996
PRESS STATEMENT
Mr L T Landers, MP, member of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, has requested the Committee to convene urgently to launch an investigation into allegations that the NIA is spying on top management of the South African Police Services. Similar requests have subsequently been made by other members of the Committee. Over and above that, call have been made by the NP and DP in the press.
In terms of section 3(f) of the Intelligence Service Control Act, 1995, the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence may order an investigation regarding any complaint received from any member of the public. The Committee is therefore accountable to the public and requests of this nature binds it to respond. The Chairperson is of the opinion that it would be a very serious matter if these allegations prove to be correct, and that the public needs to be informed about the true state of affairs.
The Committee will therefore investigate the matter, and will meet in Cape Town on Tuesday, 9 January 1996 to determine the terms of reference of the investigation.
In her dealings with the top management of both agencies, it has been the Chairperson's experience that mutual respect and co-operation exists between them. The said allegations therefore come as a complete shock to her.
The Committee is aware that the Deputy President will convene a meeting between top officials of both agencies and the Ministers involved. The Committee's investigation will nonetheless continue, in accordance with its responsibility in terms of the Act.
Issued by Ms L Sisulu, MP, Chairperson of Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.