THE State Security Agency (SSA) has suspended Robert McBride as the head of the spy agency’s foreign branch.
The agency has confirmed the suspension of the former top cop but has not divulged its reasons for the development.
“We can confirm that Mr McBride has been suspended but are not in a position to discuss further details in line with the confidentiality requirement between employer and employee relations,” SSA spokesperson Mava Scott said.
McBride is thought to have been on the receiving end after a failed SSA operation took place in Maputo, Mozambique earlier this year.
The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Dianne Kohler Barnard said her party has noted the reports that the SSA has suspended McBride.
“We understand the fog of secrecy surrounding the suspension – which of course has South Africa asking whether or not probably the most suspended man in the country, has this time blundered again or alternatively stirred up his enemies again,” said Kohler-Barnard.
“We recall how he was suspended and then fired from his position as Ekurhuleni Metro Police head, after crashing his car allegedly under the influence. Then there was his suspension from his position as head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) – overturned in court – followed by the evisceration of his reputation by fellow ANC members of the Police Portfolio Committee as Bheki Cele allegedly wanted him out. Those so-called hearings saw him refused a second term as that entity’s head.”
- Inside Politics
