Govt transfers SSA boss Fraser to correctional services

The director-general of the State Security Agency (SSA) Arthur Fraser has been transferred to the department of correctional services with immediate effect.

This as Fraser faces a court application from the inspector-general of intelligence (IGI), Setlhomamaru Dintwe, who filed papers last week, making shocking claims that Fraser had been obstructing the functioning of his office to stop the watchdog body from investigating serious allegations against him.

“The transfer follows consultation between President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of State Security Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba and Mr Fraser on the suitable location of the director-general. The transfer has been agreed upon with Mr Fraser, and will be effective with immediate effect,” SSA spokesperson Brian Dube said in a statement.

The statement added that Loyiso Jafta has been appointed to act as the DG at the SSA.

Fraser has allegedly abused state security funds, according to claims in Jacques Pauw’s book, ‘The President’s Keepers’, which outlines former president Jacob Zuma’s abuse of intelligence structures to safeguard his political power.

In a statement from Dintwe last week, he claimed Fraser was behind attempts to strip him of his security clearance and to suspend him.

“There is no lawful reason or basis for the revocation of my security clearance. The only purpose for revoking my security clearance is to prevent me from investigating the director-general [Fraser]. This is obviously unlawful and an attack on my office and the constitution.

“Furthermore, state resources are used by the director-general to undermine my office and prevent investigation against him,” Dintwe said.

– Additional reporting African News Agency