Johannesburg - The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Monday it was seeking answers from Police Minister Nathi Nhleko on why former crime intelligence head, Richard Mdluli, has been allowed to live lavishly on public money after he suspended three years ago.
DA Minister Shadow of Police, Dianne Kohler Barnard, the DA Shadow Minister of Police said Mdluli, who was suspended on 3 June 2012 “with a salary of just over R1.3 million a year …has been living the high life at taxpayers’ expense”.
Kohler Barnard said Minister Nhleko had to account to taxpayers who had been footing the bill for Mdluli’s expenses, which included business class flights, a bodyguard and a full-time driver with a state vehicle, as well as various newspaper subscriptions.
“This is according to senior police sources who spoke to the media over the weekend,” said Kohler Barnard.
Kohler Barnard stated that Mdluli had been allowed to live off the country’s taxpayers because he enjoyed protection from a number of senior government officials who would go to great lengths to shield him from due accountability. She said it was no secret that he had very close ties with President Jacob Zuma.
“Additionally, the deputy national director of public prosecutions (NDPP), Nomgcobo Jiba; commercial crimes head, Lawrence Mwrebi and North Gauteng DPP, Sibongile Mzinyathi have all perjured themselves and frustrated all attempts to carry out an independent investigation into Mr Mdluli,” she said.
“Just over a year ago, the Court ordered General Ria Phiyega to institute a disciplinary hearing into Mr Mdluli and enquiry into his fitness to hold office, given the serious allegations against him of kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice. It is no surprise that this has, to date, fallen on deaf ears.”
Kohler Barnard said by the DA’s estimation, Mdluli had benefited from more than R3 million in public money since his suspension.
She said Nhleko must explain why Mdluli has been able to remain on suspension on from his post for three years, what the progress was in criminal proceedings against him, and on what date an internal disciplinary hearing against him would
ANA