Malema Claims SSA Infiltrated EFF With Public Funds
The EFF leader alleges state resources were used to place spies within his party and the Fees Must Fall movement.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Julius Malema has claimed he possesses a list of individuals allegedly paid by the State Security Agency to infiltrate the Economic Freedom Fighters. The revelation follows a Gauteng High Court decision granting the party partial access to trial transcripts regarding the operation.
Why it matters
The operation, known as Project Mayibuye, was reportedly designed to protect former president Jacob Zuma from EFF opposition. These claims shed light on the alleged misuse of public funds for political surveillance within South Africa.
Patrick Mshothola and Thulani Dlomo currently face charges including theft, fraud, forgery, and uttering related to the R12 million withdrawal. The Gauteng High Court has authorised the release of a redacted indictment and trial transcripts to the EFF.
The players
Julius Malema
He is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters who has publicly alleged that his party was targeted by state-sponsored infiltration.
David Mahlobo
He is an official who allegedly instructed the disbursement of R12 million in state funds for Project Mayibuye.
Patrick Mshothola
He is a defendant facing multiple charges including theft, fraud, and forgery in connection with the misuse of state funds.
Thulani Dlomo
He is a defendant facing legal charges related to the illicit withdrawal and handling of money from the State Security Agency.
Jacob Zuma
He is the former president of South Africa who was allegedly the intended beneficiary of the intelligence operation.
The details
The State Security Agency allegedly spent R12 million on an operation meant to plant spies inside the EFF and the Fees Must Fall movement. Court documents indicate David Mahlobo allegedly instructed the disbursement of these funds, with R160 000 reportedly paid to an official in the ministerial office.
Timeline
May 2024: Dali Mpofu proposed dissolving the EFF under Jacob Zuma's leadership.
Week of 26 October 2026: The EFF was granted access to relevant court transcripts.
28 October 2026: Julius Malema reportedly received the list of alleged infiltrators.
29 October 2026: The Gauteng High Court formally granted the party access to transcripts.
31 October 2026: Malema addressed his supporters at Orlando Stadium regarding the list.
Legal Context
These disclosures follow a pattern of increasing legal scrutiny regarding state intelligence operations in South Africa. This case marks a departure from historical practices where such operations remained shielded from public and opposition party oversight.
Residents in South Africa may see increased public discussion regarding the integrity of the State Security Agency following these allegations. The ongoing court case may lead to further security policy debates and calls for oversight within the national government.
The takeaway
The court's decision to grant the EFF access to records suggests a shift in how state intelligence operations are scrutinised by the judiciary. Citizens should monitor future hearings to see if these allegations of internal infiltration are formally proven in court.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing legal proceedings, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News24.
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