Abuse of state agencies in smear campaigns

September 9 2013

Further to his letter of complaint to the Inspector General of Intelligence, Mr Zwelinzima Vavi and his lawyers met Ms Faith Radebe this morning.

Mr Vavi, whose name was featured in a fictitious telephone transcript purporting to be part of an intelligence report, is concerned that state agencies might be abused to smear individuals and further factionalist politics within the progressive forces including the working class.

The meeting was called by Ms Radebe - who was accompanied by her officials Mpho Nchabeleng (oversight officer), Carl Lebitso (who oversees SAPS Crime Intelligence), Mandla Nene (responsible for SAPS Crime Intelligence) and legal advisor Jay Govender - to discuss Mr Vavi's complaint.

Mr Vavi, who has been a victim of numerous death threats over the last few years (the most recent being last September), was accompanied by his lawyers to the meeting.

"I filed the complaint not only because of myself and what this so-called 'report' has done to the unity of Cosatu, but I also did so on behalf of the many South Africans whose names appear in this document and the millions who fought for our freedom. I did so because our Constitution explicitly frowns upon such apparent abuse of authority", says Mr Vavi.

The office of the Inspector General of Intelligence is created by the Constitution to provide civilian oversight and investigate abuses by the intelligence community.

The meeting was cordial and constructive, and Mr Vavi welcomes the audience with Ms Radebe and her officials.

Statement issued by John Dludlu, Vavi family spokesman, September 9 2013

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