POLITICS

Nathi Mthethwa's response to concerns over Mdluli

Minister says allegations of cover-ups are unfounded and ought to be dismissed out of hand

MINISTER MTHETHWA CLARIFIES ALLEGATIONS RELATED TO MDLULI SAGA 

PRETORIA - 04 May 2012.  The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa has noted concerns and allegations about issues relating to Lieutenant General Richard Mdluli (see Mail & Guardian report).

The Inspector General of Intelligence (IGI) has the legal mandate of oversight with regard to the financial management of Crime Intelligence. She is currently seized with looking into allegations regarding the crime intelligence secret fund and concerns relating to interceptions. 

The Inspector General is able to look into any other issues that may arise in the course of this investigation. Those who claim to have such information should therefore place it before the competent authorities.

Allegations and insinuations of cover-ups are unfounded and ought to be dismissed out of hand.

Questions are also raised as to why, in the light of the allegations against Lieutenant General Mdluli, the Minister has not taken steps against him. 

There are clear policies and programmes governing the role of the Minister so that there is no blurring of the reporting lines between the Minister and the management of the South African Police Service. The Minister is committed to adhering to these rules and practices and will therefore not address such matters through the media.

The Minister wishes to remind the media that when allegations against him were made to the Public Protector, he welcomed the investigation and offered his full cooperation.

As a matter of fact, the Minister on the 8th April this year, requested the Auditor-General to investigate the allegations and the investigation is currently underway.

Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Police, May 4 2012

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