Unraveling the Shadows: Zuma's Superspy and the State Security Agency Scandal

In a dramatic turn of events, Thulani Dlomo, once regarded as Jacob Zuma's personal ‘superspy’ and ambassador to Japan, was arrested in late 2025 for allegedly pilfering R12 million from the State Security Agency (SSA) secret fund. This arrest not only hints at the unmasking of a sinister operation dubbed 'Operation Mayibuye' but also raises questions about the depths of corruption within the SSA during Zuma's presidency.

Dlomo, aged 54, faces charges alongside Patrick Mshothola, a project manager in the SSA's Special Operations Unit. Together, they are accused of orchestrating fraudulent withdrawals intended to fund the rogue operation that served to undermine political opposition while fueling factional strife within the African National Congress (ANC). Their court appearance on December 1, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against state capture in South Africa.

However, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac), which oversaw Dlomo's case, soon found itself in turmoil. Following explosive testimonies at the Madlanga Commission, advocate Andrea Johnson resigned, leaving the organization in disarray. High-profile suspensions followed, including that of chief investigator Dylan Perumal, further complicating efforts to unravel the web of corruption.

The saga is compounded by past failures in prosecuting state capture cases, as seen in the notorious 'Nulane matter' involving the Gupta brothers. Despite initial setbacks, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Idac continued to push for justice, emphasizing the need for access to crucial evidence from the Zondo Commission.

In April 2026, Dlomo faced additional charges related to tax evasion, with the South African Revenue Service claiming he owed R600,000 for unreported income from 2018 to 2022. His alleged absence from the SSA during a crucial period raised eyebrows, with claims that senior officials were aware of his whereabouts.

Operation Mayibuye, as concluded by the Zondo Commission, was a clandestine campaign designed not only to protect Zuma from political fallout but also to destabilize rival parties. It included schemes that bypassed formal financial controls, funneling funds directly into Zuma’s orbit. Notably, monthly payments of R2.5 million were reportedly delivered to the office of then Minister of State Security David Mahlobo.

Further complicating the narrative are the figures surrounding Dlomo. The Zondo Commission detailed links between him and various controversial characters, including apartheid-era informants and intelligence operatives. These connections reveal a shadowy network that exploited SSA resources for personal gain, culminating in a series of legal battles and accusations of misconduct.

Amidst this chaos, the case of Dr. Mandisa Mokwena, another SSA operative with alleged ties to Dlomo, surfaced. During her prosecution, Mokwena claimed to be a deep-cover agent, attempting to deflect responsibility for financial irregularities onto Dlomo. Her assertions of being sanctioned by higher authorities, including Zuma, provided insight into the murky world of SSA operations.

As these legal and political dramas unfold, the implications for South Africa's intelligence community are profound. The fallout from the revelations surrounding Dlomo and his associates raises critical questions about accountability and the enduring effects of state capture on the governance of the nation.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za