2012-12-09 18:35
Johannesburg – There is no need for 40 crime intelligence agents to be deployed in Mangaung ahead of the ANC’s elective conference, the Democratic Alliance said on Sunday.
“We cannot see any legitimate reason for the deployment of 40 crime intelligence agents to Mangaung or indeed any legitimate reason for state intelligence personnel to spy on political rivals rather than on crime bosses,” said Democratic Alliance MP Dianne Kohler-Barnad.
On Sunday, the City Press newspaper reported that a task team of 40 “hand-picked” crime intelligence agents had been sent to Mangaung.
The newspaper reported that the team was assembled three weeks ago and was headed by acting crime intelligence head Major-General Chris Ngcobo.
Brigadier Phuti Setati told the newspaper that the police could not comment as this would jeopardise the objective of the mission.
“Unless the unit is expecting some major criminal activity… why is there a need to take 40 intelligence officers off their normal duties to a party political conference rather than focusing on the real crime challenges affecting South Africa?” Kohler-Barnard asked.
She said reports indicated that agents involved in the “mission” had been gathering data on delegates who voted against Zuma in the ANC’s regional conferences.
“I will be submitting parliamentary questions to determine, who ordered this mission;what was its purpose; andhow much it will cost the public?”
She said the ANC’s leaders, who were also the leaders of the government, could not be allowed to deploy police resources to fight their political battles.
– SAPA