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Judge allows media into Dlomo and Mshotola trial

Published

Judge Mashudu Munzhelele of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria varied her earlier ruling that barred the public and media. The State Security Agency (SSA) agreed to the order, after it had asked for the trial to be held entirely in secret.

Thulani Dlomo and Patrick Mshotola face charges of fraud, forgery and theft. The charges relate to R12 million allegedly drawn from SSA funds. The media may attend subject to conditions, and some evidentiary documents will be handed over or disclosed in redacted form.

Earlier, the SSA filed a counter-application through acting Director-General James Ramabulana. It asked for proceedings and documents to be kept behind closed doors and sealed. In court papers, Ramabulana said trade secrets and operational matters could become public and may compromise national security.

Media24, Daily Maverick, amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism and the Campaign for Free Expression had challenged the closed-door order. The order says the applicants reserve their rights to seek the remaining documents through any appropriate litigation process.

Key facts

Who
Thulani Dlomo (accused in trial, described as "Zuma's spy"); Patrick Mshotola (co-accused); Mashudu Munzhelele (presiding judge); James Ramabulana (acting State Security Agency Director-General)
What
Judge Mashudu Munzhelele varied her earlier ruling that had barred the public and media from the trial of Thulani Dlomo and Patrick Mshotola, who are accused of fraud, forgery and theft over R12 million in SSA funds. The media will be allowed to attend subject to conditions, and some evidentiary documents will be handed over or disclosed in redacted form.
When
21 October 2026
Where
Gauteng High Court, Pretoria
Status
Reported

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