Pretoria - The State Security Agency (SSA) has launched a full investigation into the leaking of documents detailing its operations.
“A full investigation has been launched into the purported leakage, its veracity and verification will be handled in terms of the protocols governing the management of classified information,” State Security Minister David Mahlobo said on Wednesday.
This follows the web of dealings between several foreign agencies which has been revealed through hundreds of documents leaked to an international news agency, Al Jazeera.
The documents, dated from 2006 to 2012, include an alleged assassination plot against African Union (AU) Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Iran's efforts to use Pretoria to work around its international sanctions imposed by Western powers and the flawed capabilities of the country' intelligence.
Minister Mahlobo has condemned this leakage, saying while it is an international practice for countries to share intelligence on cross cutting issues pertaining to economic opportunities and security matters among others, the leaking of the purported documents detailing operational details of the State Security Agency is illegal.
In terms of the legal and policy framework governing South African management of classified information, Minister Mahlobo said it is illegal to disclose such information outside of the classification protocols in place.
“Such conduct has the dangerous effect of undermining operational effectiveness of the work to secure this country and borders on undermining diplomatic relations with our partners in the international community. Any leakages of classified information undermine the national security of any state.”
Meanwhile, the Minister has assured South Africans that the State Security Agency will continue to focus on its mandate to protect and secure the integrity of country, its citizens and critical infrastructure. - SAnews.gov.za
