Police Commissioner must suspend Mdluli with immediate effect

Acting National Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi must suspend Crime Intelligence Head Richard Mdluli with immediate effect. This follows new details of Mdluli's alleged criminal behaviour which emerged yesterday during an inquest into the murder of Oupa Ramogibe (see Times report).

It is unthinkable that Mdluli is able to effectively and efficiently execute his duties while preoccupied with an on-going inquest into the allegations of murder and other criminal behaviour against him.

The new allegations of assault, kidnapping and intimidation form part of a 67-page submission by investigating officer Colonel Kobus Roelofse who, together with police officers, had obtained 127 affidavits from witnesses and collected 138 exhibits in preparation for the murder trial.

The fact that Mdluli is back in the top job of a unit that he allegedly defrauded is similarly inexplicable. He cannot continue heading this unit while the allegations of fraud, murder, kidnapping, intimidation and assault against him remain unanswered.

The controversial reinstatement of Mdluli two weeks ago not only undermines the credibility of the police, but also poses a risk to national security given his responsibilities as head of Crime Intelligence.

There was no good reason to lift the suspension in the first place given the cloud of controversy over Mdluli's head. The Acting National Commissioner must protect the integrity of the police and avoid any potential threats to national security by suspending Richard Mdluli with immediate effect.

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, April 11 2012

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