Johannesburg - The fraud and corruption case against suspended former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli and two other senior police officers has been struck off the roll but they may not be off the hook yet.
Mdluli, together with the crime intelligence unit's former chief financial officer Major-General Solly Lazarus and former head of logistics Colonel Heine Barnard are facing charges of fraud‚ corruption and money laundering.
They allegedly stole money from a fund meant to finance undercover crime intelligence operations and used it for personal gain.
The case was struck off the roll in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria, on Monday, because there was an outstanding investigation that still had to be carried out, said a joint media statement issued by the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Wednesday.
“The Hawks, who are investigating this matter, will meet with the prosecutorial team to discuss how to address the pending matter,” read the statement.
The issue is with regard to further particulars which the state is required by law to provide to the accused. The two law enforcement agencies said the further particulars entail documents classified in terms of the Secret Service Fund Account Act.
Spokesperson Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale said an unsigned letter was sent to the Office of the National Commissioner by the former National Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Hawks and the NPA will discuss this matter and formally approach the National Commissioner General Riah Phiyega regarding the assistance they require, according to sanews.gov.za
As things stand, Makgale said this matter is not yet within the control of General Phiyega.
“Contrary to media reports, the SAPS, the NPA and the Hawks want to ensure that justice prevails in this matter. Everything possible will be done to ensure that this objective is reached.”
The Sunday Independent