By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has provisionally withdrawn charges against SAPS crime intelligence head Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo and co-accused.
The decision follows representations made by the group and an Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) memorandum.
Khumalo and co-accused demanded answers from IDAC over the handling of the matter, including why their warning statements were not taken and why they were instructed to report to Brooklyn Police Station in Pretoria with clothing prepared for possible detention.
National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) head Andy Mothibi has directed that charges against Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo and seven co-accused be withdrawn before plea in the Brooklyn Police Station corruption case.
In a letter to the accused’s legal representatives, Mothibi said the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption has advised that further investigative work is still required before a proper prosecutorial decision can be made.
He said he has exercised his supervisory powers under the Constitution to order that the charges be withdrawn before plea in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Mothibi stressed that the matter may not be re-enrolled and no fresh decision to prosecute may be taken without his express written approval.
The developments follow the resignation of former IDAC head Andrea Johnson, who had been involved in the investigation.
This is a developing story.