SAPS denies spy claims

SAPS denies spy claims
Article By: Mandy Weiner
Sat, 15 Oct 2011 7:20
The South African Police Service on Friday denied allegations that the government's National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were spying on citizens private communications illegally.

The Mail & Guardian reported on the extent and ease of the practice, suggesting that no one was exempted from the government's all-seeing eye.

It came against the backdrop of turmoil within the country's intelligence agencies which had seen the departure of NIA director general Gibson Njenje.

SAPS said procedures and 'fail safes' were in place to ensure that no illegal interceptions would occur in the country.

The processes were subject to full compliance audits and inspections by the office of the inspector general of intelligence.

The inspector general's office also said all complaints have been investigated and no unlawful interceptions were found.

According to the newspaper report government's intelligence agencies have the capacity to see your text messages, hear your cellphone conversations, pinpoint your location and access your emails without getting permission from a judge.

The practice is rife particularly within the police's crime intelligence office.

Meanwhile, a high ranking operative had confirmed the claims to Eyewitness News.