'Spies are helping Malema'

2010-03-21 11:43

Dumisane Lubisi

Cape Town – Aggrieved former government employees are helping the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) by spying on “enemies” of the organisation and gathering sensitive information about them.

An investigation by City Press, Rapport’s sister paper, and Eye Witness News brought to light that several former government employees, who had been sacked after disciplinary and criminal procedures, were now uniting efforts and attempting to blackmail their former employers.

One of the group’s tactics was to gain the co-operation of influential political groups like the ANCYL. In turn, they again helped the organisation.

One of the key figures in this shadowy business was Michael Peega, a sacked customs officials from the South African Revenue Service (Sars), who had compiled a controversial document for the ANCYL in which it is claimed SARS was targeting its leader, Julius Malema.

Criminal charges

Peega was sacked by Sars in 2009 after several charges – including illegal rhino hunting and possession of illegal firearms – were levelled against him.

Peega is one of the people looking for confidential information about journalists and politicians who are critical of Malema’s lifestyle and activity.

Even President Jacob Zuma on Friday admitted that spying on journalists was an “unacceptable” situation.

Earlier in the week, a group of senior journalists laid a charge against ANCYL spokesperson Floyd Shivambu after he used information in these documents to threaten and intimidate journalists.

Peege and others apparently worked from the plush offices of the youth league’s investment company, Lembede Investment Holdings and had laptops, 3G connections and money available to gather information.

Peega on Friday said he had no personal connection with the youth league and did not supply information about journalists or other activities.
     

- Rapport