Put Mthethwa in the dock for alleged involvement in Mdluli saga

The media spotlight on suspended Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli has overshadowed Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa's alleged involvement in the Crime Intelligence "slush fund". 

A comprehensive criminal investigation needs to take place and this must include claims that almost R200 000 was paid from the slush fund for renovations to Minister Mthethwa's private residence in KwaZulu-Natal.  Minister Mthethwa also allegedly used a luxury Mercedes-Benz SUV, bought by Crime Intelligence, for a period of 15 months.

The City Press yesterday reported that Mdluli is facing an internal police disciplinary hearing on 2 July where he has to answer to ten charges relating to his alleged abuse of the Crime Intelligence slush fund and the appointment of family members and friends to the service.

An internal disciplinary hearing is not a court of law. The Democratic Alliance (DA) maintains that nothing less than a proper and comprehensive criminal investigation into the Mdluli saga will be acceptable. I will also follow up with the Public Protector regarding her preliminary investigation into Minister Mthethwa's alleged improper conduct and abuse of the slush fund.

The hearing should not be used as a means of taking the heat off Minister Mthethwa and sweeping the entire sordid affair under the carpet. While Mdluli must answer for the allegations against him, he cannot be made the fall guy for the Minister's own alleged indiscretions.

The South African public deserves concrete answers on the Mdluli saga and the alleged involvement of a string of senior politicians and police officers, including Minister Mthethwa.

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, June 18 2012

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