Public Protector must investigate Crime Intelligence rot

The DA will request that Public Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, institute the investigation she assured us she would undertake should we be dissatisfied with progress in relation to the ongoing Crime Intelligence Unit looting saga. It has been reported in City Press today that the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, as well as top police officials were allegedly aware of rampant corruption, fraud and cronyism within the unit (see report).

The DA asked the Public Protector to investigate this matter 14 months ago, and she agreed to do that provided we were dissatisfied with the investigation by the Inspector General of Intelligence. Richard Mdluli was eventually suspended as the head of Crime Intelligence following revelations of massive looting of the Crime Intelligence Slush Fund - a secret fund allegedly used to pay sources.

In the reports today, former South African Police Service (SAPS) auditor, Colonel Johan Roos, has revealed that he has been alerting SAPS officials since 2004 of rampant looting of the crime intelligence secret fund. This included money and jobs for friends and family. An investigation into these allegations by the now-disbanded Scorpions was initiated but the investigation was stopped.

What is most concerning is that the Minister was apparently made aware of these allegations and the evidence but has done nothing. If these allegations are true, the Minister is effectively part of a major criminal cover-up.

The Hawks were previously investigating suspended Crime Intelligence Head, Richard Mdluli, as well as former finance head Solly Lazarus who is now facing corruption charges. Lazarus was duly suspended, and criminally charged, but over a year later, Mdluli simply awaits internal disciplinary procedures.

The Inspector General of Intelligence is supposed to be investigating this matter but despite contacting her office earlier this year, we have had no response as to the progress of the investigation. We believe it is now time for the Public Protector to step in.

The DA will request that the Public Protector investigate these corruption and fraud allegations as well as the following:

• Whether the Minister of Police and top police officials ever attempted to cover-up these allegations;
• Richard Mdluli's involvement in the looting of the secret fund; and
• Whether there has been any political interference in postponing Mdluli's disciplinary procedure.

Enough is enough. It is time that this well-hidden can of worms is opened. Noone is above the law in South Africa, and the fact that this sordid issue has been left to run on for a decade speaks to corruption of great magnitude. We will write to the Public Protector and request that she take over this investigation as soon as is possible.

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, July 14 2013

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