South Africa: Right2Know - Intelligence Agencies Harass Political Activists and Civic Organisations

analysis

A document released by Right2Know on Tuesday alleges activists and community organisations are routinely monitored and harassed by the intelligence agencies, the State Security Agency and Crime Intelligence. The incidences are an abuse of power, but given elected leaders' responses to almost anything that challenges their reputation or power are no surprise.

If the handbook is an accurate representation, Mxolisi Ndimande's story has the typical elements of the state gathering intelligence on civic organisations. When the Political Discussion Forum in Katlehong were marching under the United Front, his name was submitted to the Ekurhuleni Municipality as an organiser. The next day he received a call. "Who are these people who want to march all the time, to disrupt the work of the government?" asked a woman calling from a private number and claiming to represent the State Security Agency (SSA). She wanted the names of steering committee members.

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