Issued by: South African Communication Service
At a closed meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence on Tuesday, 9 January 1996, attended by 15 out of 17 members, the Committee unanimously agreed that it views the allegations of spying on top management of the SAPS in a very serious light.
After deliberations, assisted by the State law Adviser, the Committee decided to invoke section 3(1)(j) of the Intelligence Services Control Act, 1995, which authorises it to deliberate upon, hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and make recommendations on any aspect relating to intelligence and national security, in its investigation into the matter.
The terms of Reference of the Committee's investigation are:
(1) To investigate the veracity of the allegations of the use of listening devices and other forms of surveillance on senior members of the South African Police Services;
(2) to investigate any matter arising out of such investigation; and
(3) to prepare a report and make recommendations on such matters or allegations.
The Committee further decided to request reports of the matter from heads of all affected institutions to be submitted in writing to the Committee within 14 days from today.
The formal investigation will commence on 12 February 1996, after the Committee has had time to receive and study reports from the affected parties, and consul legal opinion. Requests will be sent out to heads of services and all persons concerned with the issue, to appear before the Committee.