State Security Agency rejects claims that it is aiding individuals in their private legal battles
Tshwane - The State Security Agency has noted with concern, some misleading claims that it is protecting the interests of individuals who are involved in private legal battles.
These unsubstantiated claims were made in a news 24 report of Wednesday, 16 February 2022, (Why Does Arthur Fraser Hold Sway Over SSA), to the effect that the Agency was aiding Mr. Arthur Fraser in his bid to sue Mr. Jacque Pauw for defamation.
This follows a demand from the Agency to the lawyers of Mr. Jacque Pauw to return all classified documents in their possession, which according to the Protection of Information Act, are not supposed to be held by third parties.
The Acting Director General of the Agency, Mr. Gab Msimang had received information that classified documents containing sensitive information about the operations of the Agency were intended to be used as evidence in the lawsuit involving Mr. Arthur Fraser and Mr. Jacque Pauw.
The Acting Director General instructed that the documents be returned with immediate effect. "I have a duty in terms of the Intelligence Services Act to protect the identities of members, methods of operation and classified information from unauthorized disclosure" he said
The Acting Director General added that the agency was acting in terms of its legal obligations and not to shield or take sides with anyone in their private legal battles.
"As a matter of fact, we have been in discussion with the legal team of Mr. Jacque Pauw and have agreed on certain protocols in terms of how that information must be handled going forward" said Acting Director General
It is therefore both mischievous and opportunistic to suggest that the Agency is shielding or aiding anyone in this regard.
The obligation to protect classified information is sacrosanct and anyone who is in possession of such information is breaking the law and will be dealt with as such.
For Media Enquiries:
Mava B Scott - Spokesperson
Mobile: 083 391 2947
Email: mavas@ssa.gov.za
www.ssa.go.za
