Missing Intel: SSA Claims Ignorance on Gupta Brothers Amid State Capture Allegations

In a revelation that has sent ripples through South Africa's political and legal landscapes, the State Security Agency (SSA) has declared that it holds "no records" pertinent to the Gupta brothers—Atul, Ajay, and Rajesh—from 2018 to 2023. This statement emerged despite their noted involvement in the infamous State Capture scandal under ex-President Jacob Zuma's administration, with Gupta-linked entities reportedly gaining around R57-billion from government contracts, consequently netting approximately R15.5-billion in profits.

The lack of records came to light through a response to a Promotion of Access to Information Act (Paia) request filed by Open Secrets in April 2023. The request sought to uncover any existing SSA documents that could shed light on the Guptas' whereabouts and business activities during a crucial period when South African law enforcement agencies were working to extradite and prosecute the brothers.

The SSA’s response or the stark absence thereof, is perplexing, given its fundamental role as South Africa’s primary intelligence institution tasked with safeguarding national stability and security. The claim raises critical questions about the SSA's operational integrity and its commitment to upholding its mandate during one of the most controversial chapters in South African history.

The genesis of this controversy dates back to April 2022 when the UAE reportedly arrested Atul and Rajesh Gupta based on an Interpol Red Notice. However, the subsequent refusal by the UAE to extradite them to South Africa only became public knowledge weeks later, a delay that advantaged the Gupta legal team and further complicated efforts by South African authorities.

Interestingly, the Zondo Commission’s extensive inquiry into state capture had earlier highlighted opportunities—specifically in 2011—where the SSA could have intervened to possibly mitigate the Gupta’s influence. However, interference from political figures including the then state security minister and President Zuma himself reportedly hindered any investigative efforts.

This latest development, or lack thereof, from the SSA not only casts a shadow on the country's intelligence capabilities but also on its dedication to transparency and accountability. The possibility that the SSA might indeed have relevant information that it chose not to disclose, or worse, has no information at all, is a significant concern.

How South Africa navigates this intelligence quandary could be pivotal in restoring trust in its state institutions. The SSA’s effectiveness and its alignment with constitutional values remain under intense scrutiny as the nation grapples with the shadows of its recent past under state capture. The ongoing dialogue and calls for a comprehensive overhaul within the SSA suggest that the journey towards reform is both necessary and imminent.