The Mail & Guardian, Media24, amaBhungane, Daily Maverick and the Campaign for Free Expression obtained a redacted copy of the State Security Agency’s application to restrict access to the trial of Patrick Mshothola and Thulani Dlomo.
The two men, who headed the SSA’s chief directorate for special operations from 2012 to 2017, face charges of theft, fraud, forgery and uttering involving about R12 million. They were arrested on 30 November 2025. Their prosecution is the first of SSA personnel arising from the High Level Review Panel and the Zondo Commission.
The trial, State versus Mshothola and Another (CC 03/2026), began in the Pretoria High Court in the week of 12 October. On or about 14 October the court ordered restrictions on public access to certain evidence, including closed proceedings for SSA member testimony, operational methods and classified documents. Three trial days then proceeded without media or public presence.
Media groups applied to vary the order, arguing open justice is the rule and secrecy the exception. They sought the application, redacted documents and notice of further restrictions. The SSA opposed and counter-applied for total exclusion of the public and media for remaining evidence, citing risks to sources, methods and foreign cooperation.
Judge Mashudu Munzhelele declined to order immediate production of the full application, but discussions led the SSA to furnish a redacted copy. The parties were urged to settle a joint order; the matter was postponed.
