DA to lay charges against Bheki Cele for purchase of illegal spy tech for SAPS

The DA says it will be pressing criminal charges against Bheki Cele and Fannie Masemola for involvement in the unlawful purchase of spy equipment, also known as grabbers.

DA QUESTIONS MINISTER OF POLICE BHEKI CELE ABOUT THE GRABBERS IN PARLIAMENT

According to Andrew Whitfield MP, DA’s Shadow Minister of Police, SAPS purchased grabbers without the legislated exemption certificate.

“In an alarming revelation, Police Minister Bheki Cele has acknowledged, in response to a DA parliamentary question, that the South African Police Service (SAPS) purchased spy equipment known as ‘grabbers’ without obtaining the necessary exemption certificate under the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA) from the Minister of Justice,” Whitfield confirmed.

“The Minister of Justice, Ronald Lamola, separately confirmed to the DA that the use of this equipment without a valid exemption certificate is unlawful and constitutes a criminal offence.”

Whitfield

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A ‘grabber’ is a device capable of intercepting calls, SMS messages, and cloning cell phones, effectively transforming a phone into a tracking and surveillance tool.

“This intrusion on citizens’ right to privacy raises serious concerns about the ANC government’s potential to monitor and spy on political opponents, media, and critics of the party, risking the erosion of a democratic state into a fear-inducing dictatorship,” said Whitfield.

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SAPS IN POSSESSION OF PROHIBITED INTELLIGENCE

Despite numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain an exemption certificate, Whitfield claims Minister Cele proceeded with the illegal acquisition of the grabbers, along with National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

“This reckless action not only defies the rule of law but also represents a direct violation of their duties and responsibilities as leaders in the country.
According to the RICA, and as admitted by Minister Cele himself, Section 45(1) unequivocally prohibits the manufacture, assembly, possession, sale, purchase, or advertisement of such listed equipment. As SAPS possesses these grabbers, which fall under the category of listed equipment, Cele and Masemola, being in positions of leadership and knowledge, knowingly allowed a criminal offence to occur, compromising the privacy rights of every South African.
This blatant disregard for the rule of law and abuse of power as outlined in the Constitution warrant serious consequences. Minister Cele and National Police Commissioner Masemola must face criminal investigations, potentially leading to up to 10 years of imprisonment, in accordance with RICA,” Whitfield detailed the consequences of this offence.

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CHARGES TO PRESSED IN CAPE TOWN

Consequently, he said the DA is taking action and will lay criminal charges against both Bheki Cele and Fannie Masemola, as leaders of SAPS, for their involvement in the unlawful possession of illegal grabbers.

“The charges will be filed at Cape Town Central Police Station, and the media will be duly informed of further developments,” he concluded.

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