Intelligence watchdog's application to be heard on Thursday

"We have received instruction and the matter will be heard on Thursday at 10:00," lawyers representing the Inspector General of Intelligence (IGI) said on Monday.

Setlhomamaru Dintwe approached the high court last week, seeking, among others, an interdict against the Director General of the State Security Agency Arthur Fraser.

The IGI, who was appointed just over a year ago, claims Arthur Fraser acted unlawfully in an attempt to prevent Dintwe from investigating claims against him.

Fraser stands accused of allegedly fraudulently copying the signature of a minister to set up an illegal intelligence network, "improperly" awarding tenders to family friends, and being party to the establishment of an illegal intelligence unit.

Apart from alleged delays in providing the IGI with information needed for the investigations, Fraser has now also revoked Dintwe's security clearance.

This means he is no longer allowed to view classified documents, or even enter his own offices.

Last week, the Minister of State Security Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba said she is concerned about the urgent court application by the IGI.

The developments are likely to "affect the discharge of all constitutional and legal mandates of the parties involved", the ministry said in a statement.