‘New evidence’ in Phahlane case

A TWIST in the saga surrounding alleged improprieties committed by acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane is expected today.

The DA says it has credible, new evidence of alleged corruption by Phahlane.

The commissioner is currently being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for corrupt practices he allegedly perpetrated when he was the head of the police’s forensics unit.

Phahlane’s house was searched by Ipid investigators last week and it emerged this week that Ipid will also be investigating alleged corruption in his acquisition of some of his private luxury vehicles. The DA’s press officer, Darren Brookbanks, said their MP, Zakhele Mbhele, will be presenting “new evidence which is contained in a report submitted to the DA.”

Asked whether this report, along with the new evidence, was credible, Brookbanks asserted they were confident in its veracity.

Meanwhile, Ipid spokesperson Moses Dlamini emphasised the directorate would not be commenting about Phahlane’s case to the media as this might prejudice the investigation.

“Ipid has a national special investigative team, which focuses on corruption and systemic corruption. Its members are based at both the national as well as provincial offices.”

Asked whether Ipid sets time limits when conducting investigations, Dlamini said: “In terms of Ipid regulations, typically investigations should be completed within three months, but there is provision for further extensions as necessary.”

Dlamini added it was their duty to make recommendations to the NPA should a matter be criminal in nature and to the SAPS should it be a police disciplinary issue. “It is then up to the NPA to institute prosecutions in the courts and the SAPS to institute disciplinary action if they believe there is merit. These processes may result in convictions or acquittals. Ipid welcomes convictions and if you look at our reports, every year there are such convictions emanating from various investigations.”

Efforts to contact Phahlane were unsuccessful.