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Former SSA employees Thulani Dlomo and Patrick Mshotola
Two former senior officials of the State Security Agency (SSA) have been arrested on suspicion of embezzling approximately R12 million in state funds, as part of a major breakthrough in the fight against corruption within South Africa’s intelligence services. Thulani Dlomo, a former deputy counter-intelligence chief and a prominent ally of former President Jacob Zuma, and Patrick Mshotola, a project manager at the Chief Directorate Special Operations Office (CDSO), were detained over the weekend. The arrests, carried out by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s Anti-Corruption Directorate (IDAC) in collaboration with the SSA, highlight continued efforts to root out corruption from the country’s security apparatus. The incident adds to a series of scandals that have plagued the SSA in recent years, raising questions about accountability and oversight in intelligence operations.
They made their first court appearance on Monday, December 1, 2025, and were granted bail under strict conditions. The latest incident is a reminder of the need for stronger safeguards in government institutions as South Africa continues to battle corruption that drains public resources. The matter has been postponed until early 2026, so more details are expected to emerge about how the fraud allegations unfolded.
Arrest: Joint operation by IDAC and SSA
The arrest was made on Sunday, November 30, 2025, following a thorough investigation into the mishandling of funds within the SSA. IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamotheme said the operation was a close collaboration between the NPA’s anti-corruption unit and the SSA itself, and demonstrated a commitment to root out internal corruption. “The NPA’s Anti-Corruption Agency (IDAC), which works closely with the State Security Agency (SSA), has arrested two former members of the SSA on charges related to embezzlement of state funds,” Mamotam said in an official statement.
Thulani Dlomo is known as Zuma’s “silent enforcer” due to his close relationship with Zuma, and held a key position as Deputy Director-General of Counterintelligence during the SSA’s turmoil under Zuma. Meanwhile, Patrick Mushotra managed various projects at CDSO, a unit responsible for sensitive operations. The two men are suspected of misappropriating funds meant for national security purposes, with the total amount allegedly stolen amounting to approximately R12 million.
This is not the first time Dlomo has courted controversy. He has been implicated in several scandals, including the establishment of a rogue intelligence unit during Zuma’s presidency and his alleged involvement in political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. In 2021, Dlomo was removed from his post as ambassador to Japan amid an investigation into SSA misconduct. Muchotra’s role in project management puts him in a position to oversee the budget, making him a central figure in the alleged scheme.
Appearance and bail conditions
On Monday, December 1, 2025, Dlomo and Mshotola appeared in the Special Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria. The court granted each man bail of R20,000, but with strict conditions to prevent them from interfering with the ongoing investigation. These include:
Submit travel documents to states to restrict international movement. Prohibition on contacting or interfering with state witnesses. It is mandatory to report to the respective police station between 08:00 and 16:00 every Friday. Prohibits disposal or sale of real estate and secures assets against potential forfeiture.
The matter was adjourned to January 26, 2026 to allow for full disclosure of evidence and secure a date before the High Court. The delay gives both the prosecution and defense time to prepare, but it also prolongs the uncertainty surrounding the case.
The charges against them include crimes such as theft, fraud, forgery, and uttering a false document in order to deceive and steal. Prosecutors allege the two fabricated records to siphon funds, possibly for personal gain or to support unauthorized activities. Details of the plan have not yet been disclosed, but sources said it included inflating project costs and diverting payments through shell companies.
Wider context: SSA scandal and the fight against corruption
SSA has been at the center of many controversies since the Zuma era, and has often been described as a “parallel state” used for political rather than national security purposes. The State Capture Commission, led by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, exposed widespread corruption within government institutions, including slush funds and the creation of corrupt units. Dlomo has been implicated in some of these findings and is accused of running a “special operations” division that operated beyond its legal limits.
In recent years, the SSA has made reforms under new leadership, working to recover stolen funds and hold officials accountable. The arrests are part of a sweep that follows similar actions against other former spies. For example, in March 2025, two former SSA employees were arrested for defrauding the SSA of R5.8 million, indicating a pattern of financial misconduct.
South Africa’s anti-corruption efforts have gained momentum under President Cyril Ramaphosa, with the NPA’s IDAC playing a key role in high-profile cases. But critics say many of those involved are still at large and progress is slow. The R12 million allegedly stolen represents a fraction of the billions of dollars lost to corruption each year, but it highlights how such practices deprive communities of vital services.
Public reaction and demands for justice
News of the arrest sparked widespread discussion on social media and public forums. Many South Africans have welcomed this action, seeing it as a step towards justice against the misuse of taxpayers’ money. “Finally, Thulani Dlomo has been arrested. He can run, but he can’t hide forever,” one user posted on X, echoing a longstanding desire to hold him accountable.
Some have linked the incident to a broader political conspiracy, given Mr Dlomo’s links to Zuma. Dlomo’s legal troubles, a founder of the Umkhonto Wisizwe (MK) party and a vocal supporter of Zuma, could affect the opposition’s image. Political analysts have suggested this is part of an effort to dismantle state-occupation-era networks.
Human rights groups and anti-corruption watchdogs have stressed the need for transparency and called for a speedy trial. A spokesperson for the corruption watchdog said: “These arrests show that no one is above the law, but we must ensure that convictions last.”
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