Government says it has noted with great concern the allegations of espionage against the Head of the Office of the Public Protector and certain political leaders in the country.

The Minister of State Security, David Mahlobo, released a statement on 25 February 2015 where he raised concern regarding social media reports alleging the espionage activities.

At the time, the Minister indicated that government would look further into the matter.

These allegations made are in relation to the Head of the Office of the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela as well as other political figures, such as Julius Malema, Lindiwe Mazibuko and Joseph Mathunjwa.

A search conducted on these allegations made led government to the following website: africainteligenceleaks.wordpress.com, including other social media platforms.

“The State Security Agency looked at the matter with great concern, as these allegations will impact negatively on our hard-won democracy and will undermine the independence and credibility of our democratic institutions.

“The State Security Agency, working with other departments within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, will institute an investigation in order to verify and determine the veracity of the allegations made.

“Furthermore, the State Security Agency … will continue focusing on its core mandate of ensuring that South Africans are protected, secured and safe,” said the State Security Agency.

The four political leaders, however, dismissed the spy claims as "rubbish", according to a report in Afrikaans daily Beeld.