Former Intelligence Operatives
By Lerato Mpembe
Two former senior officials of South Africa’s intelligence community, Ntshavheni Prince Makhathana and Matome Solomon Ralebipi, have been granted bail following their arrest on charges of misappropriating approximately R5.8 million in state funds and engaging in money laundering activities. The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court set bail at R100,000 for Makhathana and R150,000 for Ralebipi during their initial court appearance.
Background of the Accused
Ntshavheni Prince Makhathana served as the manager of the Cover Support Unit (CSU) within the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) from 2007 to 2010. In this capacity, he oversaw operations and managed financial expenditures. His co-accused, Matome Solomon Ralebipi, was an agent within the same agency. The NIA has since been restructured and is now known as the State Security Agency (SSA). 
Allegations and Charges
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), in collaboration with the SSA, alleges that between 2007 and 2010, Makhathana and Ralebipi misappropriated state funds totaling approximately R5.8 million for personal gain. The charges include theft, fraud, forgery, uttering, perjury, and money laundering. 
According to IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the accused exploited their trusted positions and the covert nature of CSU operations, which lacked certain financial safeguards, to misappropriate these funds. 
Money Laundering Mechanism
The state alleges that Ralebipi Properties CC, a corporate entity solely owned by Ralebipi, was established to serve as a conduit for laundering the misappropriated funds. This entity was purportedly used to conceal the origin of the stolen money and the true ownership of two business properties purchased with these funds. Following extensive litigation, Ralebipi secured a High Court ruling to have these properties registered under Ralebipi Properties CC. 
Bail Conditions
The court imposed stringent bail conditions on both accused: 
• Surrender of travel documents. 
• No direct or indirect contact with state witnesses.
• Restriction to their residential addresses, except for consultations with their attorneys or for medical attention.
• Prohibition from disposing of immovable assets.
• Mandatory reporting to their nearest police stations every Friday. 
Court Proceedings and Future Dates
During their initial appearance at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, the matter was postponed to 23 June 2025 for pretrial proceedings. This delay allows both the defense and prosecution adequate time to prepare their cases.
Implications for the State Security Agency
The SSA has faced multiple allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement over the years. In June 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a review panel to assess the agency’s structure and operations. The panel’s report, released in March 2019, uncovered widespread misuse of the intelligence services for political purposes, including involvement in internal factional battles within the ruling party.
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