Media wins sight of SSA secrecy application in R12 million fraud trial
News organisations have obtained a redacted copy of the State Security Agency’s application to close the corruption trial of two former senior officials.
Several South African media organisations have obtained a redacted copy of the State Security Agency’s (SSA) application to close the corruption trial of two former senior officials, Patrick Mshothola and Thulani Dlomo. The SSA is seeking a total ban on media and public access to the remaining proceedings, citing risks to intelligence sources and methods. The Mail & Guardian, Media24, amaBhungane, Daily Maverick, and the Campaign for Free Expression were among the outlets that secured the document.
Mshothola and Dlomo, who led the SSA’s special operations directorate between 2012 and 2017, face charges of theft, fraud, forgery, and uttering involving approximately R12 million. They were arrested on November 30, 2025, marking the first prosecution of SSA personnel stemming from the High Level Review Panel and the Zondo Commission. The trial commenced in the Pretoria High Court on October 12, 2026.
The court had previously ordered restrictions on public access, including closed proceedings for evidence related to SSA members, operational methods, and classified documents, following the State’s section 153(1) application on October 14, 2026. This was done without prior notice to the media or the public. The Mail & Guardian intervened as a co-applicant, seeking access to the sealed record and any future sealed documents.
Why it mattersThe public and media are affected by the attempt to ban them from attending and reporting on a corruption trial involving former intelligence officials.