DA disapproves of Fraser’s transfer to correctional services

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says though it welcomes Arthur Fraser’s removal as the director-general of the State Security Agency (SSA) – an announcement that was made yesterday – the party said it disapproves of his transfer, with immediate effect, to the department of correctional services.

“We reiterate our disapproval of President Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint Fraser as the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services. We cannot allow the ANC’s long-standing practice of reshuffling compromised individuals within government departments to continue. They must be fired, not rehired in different capacities,” DA leader Mmusi Maimane said in a statement.

Fraser’s reshuffle comes as he 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 Loyiso Jafta had been appointed to act as the DG at the SSA.

Jacques Pauw’s book the President’s Keepers, released last year, alleged that Fraser abused state security funds.

“In light of the very serious allegations levelled against Fraser over his coordination of a parallel intelligence network known as the Principal-Agent Network (PAN), the lawfulness of Fraser’s removal and new appointment is deeply questionable. Such an appointment must at bare minimum be procedurally and substantially rational,” Maimane said.

The leader of the main opposition in parliament said he had written to the president requesting the following information:

• What process was followed in the appointment of Fraser as national commissioner of the department of correctional services
• When the decision was made
• Whether Fraser’s allegedly unlawful conduct, whilst at the SSA, was taken into account in the decision to appoint him as the national commissioner of correctional services
• On what grounds can it be said that Mr Fraser’s appointment serves the purpose of having him as national commissioner in the sense that he has no known experience in this portfolio

“There is no ‘New Dawn’ so long as individuals such as Arthur Fraser are recycled within various government departments, and not removed for good,” Maimane said.

Last week, Dintwe claimed in a statement that 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.

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