Top spy investigation raises serious questions about IGI
Inspector General of Intelligence (IGI) Advocate Faith Radebe's report on the investigation into the appointment of State Security Agency general-manager for special operations Thulani Dhlomo was unsatisfactory.
The report creates the impression that the investigation was little more than a box-checking exercise.
Thulani Dhlomo was appointed as the General Manager: Special Operations in the State Security Agency in 2012. His appointment was extremely controversial because:
- an internal audit reportedly, conducted by KwaZulu Natal's social development department, found that he had interfered in tender procedures and recommended that he face criminal charges;
- he reportedly had no previous experience in the national intelligence structure; and
- he was reportedly thought to be close to President Jacob Zuma informing colleagues that he "only reports to Zuma".
The appointment of Thulani Dhlomo appeared to be a classic case of "cadre deployment" in the State Security Agency.
Last year, on 03 June 2012, I therefore, approached the IGI to investigate the appointment of Thulani Dhlomo. The IGI completed the investigation and provided me with a report on her findings on 28 January 2013. The IGI found, in summary, that there was nothing unlawful or unprocedural about the appointment. However, the IGI's report raises more questions than it answers.
First, the report suggests that Thulani Dhlomo was head hunted and that normal recruitment procedures were waived so that he could be appointed. The regulations provide for the waiving of normal recruitment procedures in "exceptional circumstances". However, the report is silent on what exceptional circumstances existed which made it necessary to deviate from normal recruitment procedures.
Second, the report finds that Thulani Dhlomo received a "Top Secret" security clearance after being appointed. However, it is not clear whether the security screening investigation took into account the internal audit which found that he had interfered in tender procedures and recommended that he face criminal charges. The regulations are clear that the "criminal charges and misconduct" are factors relevant to determining whether an applicant should receive a security clearance.
I therefore approached the IGI to provide me with a comprehensive report on the investigation. However, this has not been forthcoming and in a letter, dated 27 May 2013, the IGI informed me that she considers this matter finalised.
I remain concerned about the appointment of Thulani Dhlomo and intend to make an appointment to see the Inspector General of Intelligence, Advocate Faith Radebe, to get to the bottom of this matter as soon as possible.
It remains a mystery how a man, who was to face criminal charges, and who had no previous experience in the national intelligence structure, could receive a "Top Secret" security clearance and be appointed to a senior position within the State Security Agency.
Statement issued by David Maynier MP, DA Shadow Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, July 15 2013
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