Services
30 March 2006
There are many understandable concerns being raised, arising from the report
of the Inspector-General of Intelligence into certain unauthorised activities
by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
One such issue relates to the revelation that a limited number of telephone
numbers are unlawfully targeted for interception on the orders of a high
ranking NIA official. Among these were the telephone numbers of Members of
Parliament and the public and numbers belonging to a political party. However,
as far as has presently been ascertained, conversations relating to only a few
of these numbers were actually intercepted.
Since I have received specific correspondence from the Democratic Alliance
(DA) requesting the return of information that might have been gathered in this
way about their party, I can give the assurance that none of the information
intercepted relates to the DA. I can also state that the method of interception
did not involve the planting of listening or recording devices ("bugging"
equipment) in homes, offices or on parliamentary premises.
The Inspector-General's report and decisive action taken at Presidential and
Ministerial level are a clear indication that the government will not tolerate
illegal conduct, the misuse of state resources and the abuse of power. These
unacceptable manifestations are a breach of our constitution, laws and public
trust. Measures have been taken aimed at preventing such lapses in future and
apart from criminal prosecutions that may arise, a review is underway to
reconsider policies and strengthen regulations and operating procedures.
Whilst the breaches of the law that have taken place are extremely serious
and have threatened to undermine good governance in our country we should take
strength from the fact that our Executive Council (EXCO) and oversight
institutions have proven strong enough to expose the wrongdoing.
Further enquiries contact:
Lorna Daniels
Cell: 082 418 3389
Issued by: Ministry for Intelligence Services
30 March 2006
Source: SAPA
