THE government has given the South African Police Service (SAPS) the green light to procure and use equipment to intercept communication in the country.
However, members of the portfolio committee on justice are criticising the move, saying that permission has come far too late – and after the SAPS already used the equipment illegally.
During a hybrid NA plenary on Tuesday (2 May), MPs debated an exemption granted to the SAPS in terms of the Regulation of the Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication Act (RICA).
The exemption was given by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, which would allow the SAPS to procure and use interception technologies.
On 15 March 2023, the minister of justice submitted a certificate of exemption to the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act (RICA). However, it was up to Parliament to determine if it would proceed.
In terms of RICA, no person
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