News24 | SSA now wants total and complete ban on media, public in Dlomo trial

Former SSA investigator Patrick Mshothola (left) and Thulani Dlomo are accused of theft, fraud and forgery linked to R12 million that was drawn from SSA coffers.

Images: Supplied; Thulani Dlomo Foundation/Facebook

The State Security Agency (SSA) is fighting for the trial of “Zuma’s spy”, Thulani Dlomo, to be held in total secret.

Dlomo and Patrick Mshotola are accused of theft, fraud and forgery linked to R12 million that was drawn from SSA coffers, and they are on trial in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

Presiding Judge Mashudu Munzhelele barred public access – an order which News24, Daily Maverick, amaBhungane and the Campaign for Free Expression have urgently challenged.

The transparency challenge will be argued before Munzhelele on Wednesday morning.

In opposing the media and civil society challenge, acting SSA Director-General James Ramabulana launched a counter-application to ensure proceedings would take place behind closed doors, and documents before the court would remain sealed.

Ramabulana argues in court papers that the agency fears that trade secrets and operational matters could become public knowledge and may compromise national security.

This is a developing story.

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