Employees 'were spied on' at SABC

The State Security Agency appears to have spied on SABC employees without the required permission from a judge.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha revealed in a written reply to a question in parliament yesterday that designated judge Yvonne Mokgoro, in terms of the Regulation of Interceptions of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act, did not recall granting permission to the SABC and the SSA to intercept any communications.

It was revealed during a recent parliamentary inquiry into the SABC that the SSA investigated staff members who allegedly leaked information about the public broadcaster.

"Judge Mokgoro has informed me that she has not, to the best of her recollection, authorised the State Security Agency to intercept the communications of any individuals said to be working for the SABC during the periods mentioned," said Masutha.

Former SABC general manager of labour relations Madiwe Nkosi told the inquirythe SSA had been asked to investigate former group executive of risk and governance Itani Tseisi for allegedly leaking informa-tion.