PRESS FREEDOM: SSA seeks to shut media, public out of R12m spy trial, citing intelligence risk

The State Security Agency wants the media and public banned from attending and reporting on the trial of former intelligence officials Thulani “Silence” Dlomo and Patrick Mshothola, claiming that it could expose intelligence sources, operational methods and classified information. Media organisations are fighting for access.

At the time of writing, Media24, amaBhungane, Daily Maverick and the Campaign for Free Expression were arguing this case in court. This is a developing story that will be updated as new information emerges.

The State Security Agency (SSA) has doubled down on excluding journalists from the remainder of the R12-million criminal trial of former intelligence officials Thulani “Silence” Dlomo and Patrick Mshothola , arguing that evidence could expose intelligence sources, operational methods and classified information.

In a counter-application before the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, the agency is seeking an order barring both the public and the media from the proceedings in which evidence is led. It also wants to prohibit the publication of information from hearings held behind closed doors.

The SSA argues that the risks go beyond identifying witnesses, saying testimony by the accused could expose intelligence-gathering techniques, operational infrastructure and cooperation arrangements with foreign intelligence services.