News / National
Zimbabwe linked to spy gadget missing in SA
28 Aug 2015 at 08:30hrs | Views
ZIMBABWE has been linked to the unfolding intelligence scandal that has enveloped South Africa.
An investigation by Africa Independent has revealed that unscrupulous businessmen illegally procured and were involved in discussions to sell a bugging and tracking device - known as a Grabber and worth R29 million - to the Zimbabwean authorities.
The spy gadget, called a 'grabber', monitors cellphones and is very dangerous in the wrong hands.
According to the publication, negotiations were being conducted with senior officials from the notorious Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
Several sources revealed that while Zimbabwean intelligence authorities claimed they wanted to use the Grabber to stop gold, diamond and tobacco smuggling, their motivation was doubtful.
Consequently, there was reluctancy to sell to Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe High Commission in South Africa could not be reached for comment.
The transaction is alleged to have been organised by a South African businessman, known in the gold industry and with close ties to the Zimbabwean government authorities. The viewing of the device was going to take place at a house in the Kempton Park suburb in South Africa.
Meanwhile, police in South Africa have confirmed they have recovered one of two highly sophisticated surveillance machines which can monitor up to 10,000 cellphone calls and locate any person.
The remaining spy gadget, called a 'grabber', is worth around R29 million.
It's believed to be in the possession of private individuals, who obtained the machine illegally.
The police's Solomon Makgale has confirmed one person has been arrested and they are still looking for the second machine.
He says the grabber has a range of a few kilometres, monitors cellphones and is very dangerous in the wrong hands.
"They are able to intercept phone calls, text messages, MMS's and WhatsApp messages. They can locate your cellphone and they can jam the network. In essence, somebody can remotely control your cellphone."
Makgale says they are doing all they can to recover the remaining 'grabber'.
"Depending how the person uses it, particularly if they use it to frequently jam the network, the network providers will be able to pick that up."
He says the machine cannot access bank transactions as feared, but rather the texts that are sent to a person's phone by the bank.
An investigation by Africa Independent has revealed that unscrupulous businessmen illegally procured and were involved in discussions to sell a bugging and tracking device - known as a Grabber and worth R29 million - to the Zimbabwean authorities.
The spy gadget, called a 'grabber', monitors cellphones and is very dangerous in the wrong hands.
According to the publication, negotiations were being conducted with senior officials from the notorious Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
Several sources revealed that while Zimbabwean intelligence authorities claimed they wanted to use the Grabber to stop gold, diamond and tobacco smuggling, their motivation was doubtful.
Consequently, there was reluctancy to sell to Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe High Commission in South Africa could not be reached for comment.
The transaction is alleged to have been organised by a South African businessman, known in the gold industry and with close ties to the Zimbabwean government authorities. The viewing of the device was going to take place at a house in the Kempton Park suburb in South Africa.
Meanwhile, police in South Africa have confirmed they have recovered one of two highly sophisticated surveillance machines which can monitor up to 10,000 cellphone calls and locate any person.
The remaining spy gadget, called a 'grabber', is worth around R29 million.
It's believed to be in the possession of private individuals, who obtained the machine illegally.
The police's Solomon Makgale has confirmed one person has been arrested and they are still looking for the second machine.
He says the grabber has a range of a few kilometres, monitors cellphones and is very dangerous in the wrong hands.
"They are able to intercept phone calls, text messages, MMS's and WhatsApp messages. They can locate your cellphone and they can jam the network. In essence, somebody can remotely control your cellphone."
Makgale says they are doing all they can to recover the remaining 'grabber'.
"Depending how the person uses it, particularly if they use it to frequently jam the network, the network providers will be able to pick that up."
He says the machine cannot access bank transactions as feared, but rather the texts that are sent to a person's phone by the bank.
Source - online
