Allegations of espionage against Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and certain political leaders made on social media will be investigated, the state security department said on Thursday.

“A search conducted on these allegations made, led government to the following website: africainteligenceleaks.wordpress.com, including other social media platforms,” spokesman Brian Dube said in a statement.

“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.”

Allegations were made that Madonsela, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, former Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko and Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union president Joseph Mathunjwa were spied upon.

Dube said the SSA, working with other security cluster departments, would probe the claims. SAPA