The police spent more than R100 million on sophisticated spying technology that they cannot use in a controversial deal under investigation by the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) and Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID). News24 can reveal Crime Intelligence splurged R102 million on "precise mobile detection equipment", also known as grabbers - devices capable of intercepting cellphone calls and messages - which have been gathering dust in a warehouse for more than a year. This after the police failed to obtain an exemption certificate from the Department of Justice, which would allow the lawful use of the shadowy eavesdropping machinery. Separate probes into the closed procurement process have compounded the costly paperwork fumble.

Source: News 24 June 15, 2021 03:00 UTC