David Mahlobo 'meddled' in operational intelligence matters Explosive evidence heard by state capture inquiry Former minister of state security David Mahlobo testifies at the state capture inquiry in Johannesburg. Image: Veli Nhlapo A state security agency (SSA) official testifying at the Zondo commission on Thursday detailed the extent to which former intelligence minister David Mahlobo was involved in operational matters. The witness, testifying under the pseudonym Steven, said Mahlobo was involved in handling assets and signing off on operations. Steven told the inquiry he had personal knowledge of Mahlobo's overreach because the two of them were close and he often visited the minister socially.