SPY TRIAL : EFF secures Zuma-era SSA spy records as Idac stands by R12m case

The Investigating Directorate for Combating Corruption maintains confidence in its fraud case against two former State Security Agency officials, even as defense attorneys move to dismiss the charges. On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the day after the state concluded its presentation, lawyers for Patrick Mshothola and Thulani “Silence” Dlomo signaled intent to file an application under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. They argue the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence. Idac spokesperson Henry Mamothame stated the directorate believes the charges remain sustainable. He noted that a case assessment panel confirmed the authorization was correct and fell within the Idac mandate. The defendants face accusations regarding the fraudulent withdrawal of twelve million rand in three installments during 2015. These funds were allegedly destined for Project Mayibuye, a covert operation scrutinized during inquiries into the politicization of the SSA under former President Jacob Zuma. Trial proceedings at the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria have linked Mayibuye to intelligence gathering targeting the Economic Freedom Fighters. The aim was reportedly to infiltrate the party while it emerged as a major opposition force to the African National Congress. Simultaneously, the EFF sought access to court records and transcripts related to this infiltration effort. Judge Mashudu Munzhelele granted the request following consultations with legal teams, ordering the agreement to be documented. The party aims to establish a full evidentiary record, including testimony that the SSA utilized a contract involving Korolo Investment Holdings to finance operations against the EFF. Witness testimony continued to reveal internal irregularities. A former SSA official, identified only as Mr D due to a protective court order, testified that no evidence suggested the EFF threatened national security at the time. When asked directly by advocate Terry Motau, who assists the Idac prosecution, Mr D answered negatively. He further disclosed that Project Veza, an internal SSA investigation, found that Project Mayibuye lacked proper authorization. Project Veza examined Mayibuye and other special operations, uncovering alleged misconduct within the agency. These developments occur while the Idac reviews over forty cases as part of an institutional reset. This review has impacted high-profile prosecutions, including those involving National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, former Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, and former acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane in the nineteen million rand blue lights case. Charges against Masemola regarding a three hundred and sixty million rand South African Police Service tender were previously dropped following an investigation into Idac matters. Court hearings also addressed the role of former State Security Minister David Mahlobo. Evidence presented suggests he introduced ANC and SSA operatives involved in the spying plot. The trial continues to examine the extent of state resources diverted toward political surveillance during the Zuma administration.