Former spy boss Arthur Fraser has launched an application to the state capture commission to compel his former employer, the State Security Agency (SSA), and his successor, Loyiso Jafta, to declassify documents.
The application has reportedly unleashed a hurried attempt to hide documents Fraser requires for his appearance before the commission.
Fearing he is running out of time to cross-examine witnesses and set out his version of events, Fraser - who has taken the extraordinary step to have explosive documents relating to multiple spy operations made available to him - also claims some people are trying to frustrate him.
"Our client wants to be given an opportunity to put his side of the story to the commission, but doing so without supporting documents will reduce him to a gossiper," said Fraser's lawyer, Mike Kgoroeadira. He said they were concerned at claims there were plans to ensure documents he asked for were removed from SSA headquarters.
"The only reason people would want to remove these documents from the head of the country's counterintelligence is that they want to hide them and possibly destroy them," said Kgoroeadira.
It was "not a coincidence" that such an attempt, and a botched National Prosecuting Authority raid on the SSA head office, happened a day or two after Fraser made an application to compel the commission to declassify the documents, he said.
Among others, Fraser has asked for documents relating to President Cyril Ramaphosa's business and political networks and activities.
He also wants "a copy of documents and reports, including the authorisation, records of all submissions and payments, false documents, travel records including all the related travel itineraries created by [an SSA agent] in the project masterminded and managed by him that resulted in a report that falsely claimed Prof Thuli Madonsela, Mr Sello Julius Malema and Mr Joseph Mathunjwa were agents and/or members of the Central Intelligence Agency of the US of America. To this end, we kindly request that you also provide us with a copy of Prof Madonsela's false CIA membership or appointment card manufactured by [same SSA agent]."
Kgoroeadira said while Fraser is concerned that some people are conspiring to ensure the commission runs out of time before he can speak, he does not believe the chair, deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, is party to this.
SSA spokesperson Mava Scott confirmed the agency had been served with the application to compel but indicated it would oppose it. Asked to comment on attempts to hide information, Scott said: "We are not commenting on this."
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