Covert crime intelligence agent Captain Morris "KGB" Tshabalala - entrusted with investigating threats against the state and President Jacob Zuma - does not have the security clearance to conduct such investigations.
Tshabalala is being investigated in connection with cash heists and attacks on foreign businessmen.
Tshabalala, who was involved in the investigation into the plot to attack the ANC's December 2012 elective conference in Mangaung, appears in the Sasolburg Magistrate's Court today .
Tshabalala, his colleague Sergeant Willby Molefe, and four others - Sipho Nkosi, Mapotswe Moloi, Lehlogonolo Tlekelele and Sipho Motsamayi - will appear on charges of armed robbery, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The charges relate to the February attack on a Protea Coin cash-in-transit van when R3-million was stolen.
The Times has learnt that Tshabalala, who has been in custody since June 2, only applied for his "top secret" security clearance on March 15. Despite his application still being pending, he conducted investigations into threats against the state and President Zuma.
Hawks spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko declined to comment on Tshabalala's pending security clearance or why he was allowed to conduct such high-level investigations without permission.
The investigation into Tshabalala coincides with a high-level police probe into his suspected criminal activities.
Investigators were looking into Tshabalala's alleged involvement with convicted armed robber William "King of Bling" Mbatha in four armed robberies.
Tshabalala is also being investigated for possible links to several armed robberies against Chinese and Pakistani businessmen in Pretoria and Johannesburg in 2010.
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