By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli is aggrieved about claims against him at the hearings relating to SA Police Services (SAPS) corruption and malfeasance.
Mdluli’s request comes after his name was mentioned in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliament Ad-Hoc Committee respectively.
The Parliamentary ad hoc committee is running parallel to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry — both are investigations of criminal infiltration into law enforcement and politics.
The letter from Mdluli’s attorneys expresses deep concern over how his name has been invoked in various forums, including the Madlanga Commission and the current Ad Hoc Committee proceedings.
Mdluli argues that this portrayal is inaccurate and unjust, as it positions him as solely responsible for alleged wrongdoing, ignoring broader systemic issues.
The lawyers added that they trusted the committee would recognise the seriousness of the matter and make the necessary arrangements for Mdluli’s appearance “at the earliest possible opportunity,” including travel and accommodation arrangements.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told Parliament that money from the Police Secret Service Account had been misused to build a perimeter wall around Former late Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa’s private homestead in 2011.
This happened while Mdluli was the head of the Crime Intelligence unit.
Also Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya testified before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Monday, saying his career had been derailed after he oversaw an investigation into Mdluli.
“It was at that point in time when I was approached to conduct an investigation on the former Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence, General Richard Mdluli. I put a team together that led to his arrest,” Sibiya told MPs.
“It was then that I made a lot of enemies within the Crime Intelligence sector.”
He said that after the investigation, he faced retaliation, including charges of fraud, corruption, and the illegal rendition of Zimbabwean nationals – allegations he maintains were baseless and politically motivated.
Former president Jacob Zuma was inaugurated in 2009. Two months later, Mdluli was appointed as head of Crime Intelligence.
In 2011 he was arrested and faced 18 charges, including murder, kidnapping, intimidation and defeating the ends of justice relating to a 1999 killing.
In 2019, Mdluli was convicted of kidnapping and assault.
Mdluli also faces charges of corruption, fraud, and theft, along with former SAPS Supply Chain Manager Heine Barnard and Chief Financial Officer Solomon Lazarus, linked to the police’s secret slush fund during their tenure in Crime Intelligence between 2008 and 2012.