Fazel misconduct probe stalls as secret service billions go unchecked
South Africa's suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel, has alleged that the intelligence apparatus and parliamentary committees acted irregularly in his suspension. New evidence suggests the initial investigation used to justify his removal was either non-existent or restarted without proper basis.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights potential corruption and lack of oversight within South Africa's intelligence agencies, raising concerns about democratic accountability.
More evidence has emerged of a seemingly chaotic scramble by South Africa’s intelligence apparatus to neutralise the now-suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI), Imtiaz Fazel.
A newly emerged letter, penned by Fazel, dated 9 June and addressed to Parliament, contains fresh allegations against the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (Nicoc) and the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI), reports amaBhungane.
The letter, for the first time, implicates Nicoc in Fazel’s suspension by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 14 October last year. It also reveals that the JSCI had told Ramaphosa in February this year that its investigation into Fazel’s alleged misconduct, which originally justified his suspension, had been “restarted”.
In doing so, the JSCI has seemingly abandoned the basis of its initial recommendation for Fazel’s removal – four months after the fact.
Fazel’s letter, seen by amaBhungane, is addressed to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and her deputy, Annelie Lotriet.
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