Sexwale asks protector to probe Mdluli

2012-05-19 14:04

Johannesburg - Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has been asked by Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale to investigate the possible abuse of authority and state resources by former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli.

"The objective... is to leave no stone unturned in establishing the truth around this saga and... to ensure that the tendency to use state resources to pursue party political positions is stemmed out," the Human Settlements ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Sexwale made the request because of allegations made by Mdluli in a report where he fingered a number of ANC leaders who were allegedly part of a plot to unseat President Jacob Zuma.

"Minister Sexwale, whose name was mentioned as ostensibly central to the alleged plot, through his lawyers - Mkhabela Huntley Adekeye - has lodged a complaint with the office of the Public Protector to investigate the matter," the statement said.

Last year, Mdluli claimed that former president Thabo Mbeki's "camp" was trying to take over crime intelligence ahead of the ANC's elective conference in Manguang later this year.

“These were the very same members that were involved in negative campaigning at the ANC conference in Polokwane," Mdluli said in a letter to Zuma later.

“They were in Mbeki’s camp and trying to take control of the intelligence environment within the police by devious tactics.”

Others named in the report - called Ground Coverage Intelligence Report - included former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema, ANC treasurer general Mathews Phosa, ANC national executive committee members Fikile Mbalula, Jeff Radebe, Tony Yengeni, Cassel Mathale and David Mabuza.

Last year, Mdluli faced fraud and corruption charges relating to alleged misuse of a crime intelligence fund, the purchase of luxury vehicles and the hiring of family members. He also faced a murder charge for the death of his former lover's husband.

Both sets of charges were withdrawn and Mdluli was reinstated as head of crime intelligence.

On May 9, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa announced that Mdluli would be shifted from his position to another division.

- SAPA