Pegasus Spyware: Presidency Unhappy with Cyril Ramaphosa's Cell Number Being on Israeli Database
- The Presidency recently shared its stance on the matter involving an Israeli spyware firm and President Cyril Ramaphosa's personal phone number
- The Israeli firm reportedly has the president's personal number in its database and now, the State Security Agency (SSA) is investigating it
- According to acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Presidency is awaiting a report from the SSA
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Acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Wednesday that the government is unhappy that President Cyril Ramaphosa's personal cellphone may have been targetted by spyware.
Ntshavehni stated that the State Security Agency needs to probe whether or not his phone had been tampered with. This follows news that an Israeli spyware company may have 'hacked' Ramaphosa's phone and kept his personal number in its database.
Source: Getty Images
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According to News24, Ntshavheni stated that they were not happy that they had been targeted as they believe it infringes on President Ramaphosa's privacy, as well as the sovereignty of South Africa, to be able to make its own decisions without the pre-empting by other countries.
Ntshavheni added that the SSA will have to compile a report after an investigation to state whether or not the president's phone had been tampered with.
A report by IOL stated that the Presidency was not happy about the mere fact that they had been targeted and it was sad that the report comes shortly after relations within the Southern African region are improving. She explained that the State is planning to work alongside members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
President Cyril Ramaphosa is one of 14 heads of states whose numbers have been targeted by a spyware firm
Previously, Briefly News reported that Ramaphosa is among a group of 14 heads of state and government members who were selected as people of interest by clients of NSO Group (an Israeli spyware company). The news was revealed in a press release issued by Amnesty International.
The press release suggested that there were a number of world leaders who might have had their smartphones hacked by the NSO Group's Pegasus Spyware. The release stated that there was new evidence that was uncovered by the Pegasus Project.
Amnesty International's Sheila Mohamed called the revelation 'unprecedented' and stated that it sent a chill down the spines of world leaders.
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Source: Briefly News
