Cape Town – Former acting national police commissioner, Lt-General Khomotso Phahlane has been asked to explain to Police Minister Fikile Mbalula why he should not be suspended from his position as forensic services divisional commissioner with immediate effect.
On Thursday, Mbalula announced in Cape Town that President Jacob Zuma has “relieved” Phahlane of his duties as acting national commissioner of the South African Police Service.
“It is clear to me that the initial reasoning over Phahlane’s undesirableness of staying as acting national police commissioner equally arises in his original role [position of forensic services divisional commissioner]," Mbalula told a media briefing in Cape Town.
"Accordingly, Phahlane has been requested by myself to furnish me with cogent and reasonable reasons why I should not suspend him from his position as forensic services divisional commissioner with immediate effect.”
Mbalula said the damning allegations against Phahlane had been his downfall.
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“We wish to thank the president for his wisdom and decisive action in this regard. There are clearly serious allegations of misconduct on the part of Phahlane which also impacts on his fitness to hold office as the acting national police commissioner,” said Mbalula.
“The allegations against Phahlane raise questions of conduct that would be inconsistent with expectations that attend those who hold leadership in our police service, the South African Police Service.”