Reaction to suspension of top officials

The Democratic Alliance says reports that Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils has suspended two top officials from the National Intelligence Agency are cause for grave concern. DA chief whip Douglas Gibson said that the two officials’ suspension for allegedly ordering the illegal surveillance of ANC heavyweight, and close loyalist of President Thabo Mbeki, Saki Macozoma, illustrates yet again how infighting within the ANC is threatening to undermine national security. Gibson says the conduct of NIA Director General Billy Masethla must be urgently investigated, to determine whether he sanctioned illegal activity of this sort.
Meanwhile the African Christian Democratic Party calls on Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils to explain what steps are being taken to ensure that the use of state resources for unauthorized surveillance do not occur in the future. ACDP spokesperson for Justice and Constitutional matters, Steve Swart, says they have just learned that NIA Director General Billy Masetla is suspended. Swart says they will be taking the matter in Parliament