DA to request investigation into lifting of Mdluli suspension
I will be writing to the Public Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, to request that the decision to lift the suspension of Crime Intelligence Head Richard Mdluli amid allegations of fraud and murder is investigated.
Given the fact that, according to recent reports, the Inspector General of Intelligence Adv. Faith Radebe is deeply embroiled in this saga and potentially compromised due to serious questions about her involvement in the matter, the Democratic Alliance (DA) will seek advice from Adv. Madonsela (see City Press article).
Adv. Madonsela's investigation should also cover the termination of the internal police disciplinary process involving Mdluli. Additionally, it is imperative that the Public Protector's inquiry extend to include the head of the division's secret services account, Major General Solly Lazarus, whose suspension was also lifted.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa continue to remain silent on the questionable decision to lift the suspension. The denial by the Presidency that it unduly interfered in the Mdluli saga also does not provide a satisfactory explanation.
Reports in the City Press today indicating that acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is threatening to quit after being ordered by Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa to lift Mdluli's suspension reveal the seriousness of this situation.