Three top spies on their way out

Three intelligence chiefs at the centre of a battle with Minister of State Security Siyabonga Cwele are on their way out.

Intense negotiations that are likely to pave the way for the departure of state security Director-General Jeff Maqetuka, National Intelligence Agency head Gibson Njenje and secret service head Mo Shaik are taking place behind the scenes.

This follows a meltdown in the relationship between the minister and the three intelligence chiefs in what looks like a repeat of the internal battles that rocked the intelligence world prior to the ANC's Polokwane conference.

It emerged this week that the conflict between Cwele and the three intelligence bosses began as soon as they were appointed.

According to government officials, Cwele was unhappy with President Jacob Zuma's appointments as he wanted to choose his own men. Since then, the minister has been accused of undue interference - sometimes demanding briefings on intelligence issues he should be privy to as a politician.

Njenje is believed to be negotiating an exit package.

Shaik has in the past approached Zuma about his differences with the minister, but it is understood that the president refused to be drawn into the fight.

Maqetuka took time off this week as speculation mounted about his future.

There was confusion when Cwele's office released a statement last Friday saying Njenje had resigned to pursue other interests. Njenje denied that he had resigned.

This week, state security spokesman Brian Dube would not say whether Njenje had finally left the service and whether the other two would be axed.

"We will be issuing a statement soon and put things into the public domain. But, right now, there is nothing we can say on the matter," Dube said.

Contacted for comment, Njenje said he was still employed by the department.

"No, I have not resigned, but I cannot comment any further on this matter," he said.

He told the Sunday Times last week that he had written a letter to Cwele to discuss how they could reach an amicable parting.

Those close to the negotiations said the two had accepted that their relationship had irretrievably broken down and were now working out whether Njenje should be paid out for the remainder of his contract.

The Sunday Times has learnt staff morale at NIA headquarters is at an all-time low, with staff being kept in the dark about the goings-on.

Shaik's relationship with Cwele is also at a low, with the minister unhappy at what he perceives as Shaik disrespecting his command. Cwele wants to charge him with insubordination.

Insiders said Zuma had told Shaik to sort out his problems with Cwele.

"He was told, 'It's a problem between you and the minister. You go and sort it out,'" said an insider.

Zuma is believed to be sympathetic to Cwele and is convinced he is doing a good job.

Reports this week said Njenje and Maqetuka had differed sharply with Cwele, who wanted some ANC leaders to be spied on because he perceived them to be a security threat. The men are said to have defied the order.

Njenje's close relationship with ANC heavyweight Tony Yengeni and his perceived closeness to the ANC Youth League are other sources of tension.

Cwele could not be reached for comment. An aide who answered his phone on Friday said he was in a meeting.

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj referred all queries to the ministry.

Njenje was suspended with former NIA boss Billy Masetlha in 2005 after unauthorised botched surveillance of businessman and former ANC NEC member Saki Macozoma.

He later reached a settlement with former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils and left the agency.