T Mbeki on call by DA for enquiry into mandate and activities of
National Intelligence Structure

31 March 2006

President Thabo Mbeki has today responded to Democratic Alliance leader,
Tony Leon’s written request for the constitution of a Judicial Commission of
Enquiry on the mandate and activities of the country’s Intelligence
structures.

In view of the publicity generated around this matter earlier this week,
below is a summary of the President’s response for the benefit of the
public.

a) The legislative framework, which sets out and governs the mandate of
South Africa’s Intelligence structures and organisation, is sufficient to
address matters relating to their mandate,

b) The Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) conducted an investigation on
the possible illegal activities of some officers of the National Intelligence
Agency. Government has subsequently made the IGI’s report public,

c) The law enforcement agencies have announced that they are examining some
of the information contained in the IGI’s report to establish whether there has
been a transgression of our laws.

In view of these factors, the President, through a letter to the leader of
the DA, conveyed his determination that a Judicial Commission of Enquiry would
not serve any useful purpose.

For more information, please contact: Mukoni Ratshitanga
Tel: (012) 300 5436
Cell: 082 300 3447

Issued by: The Presidency
31 March 2006