Planned Ipid raid denied by police
I AM CLEAN, SAYS CONSULTANT
Police have denied acting national Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane is planning a raid on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) to try and uncover evidence of it being “captured” by forensic consultant Paul O’Sullivan, politicians, senior cops and other outsiders.
“We are unaware of any such action,” police spokesperson Major-General Sally de Beer said yesterday. However, the intended raid was confirmed to The Citizen by two separate sources, who have no knowledge of each other.
Phahlane turned to the courts last month to try and stop Ipid investigating him. He also asked the court to stop Ipid from using O’Sullivan.
Wits law professor James Grant said there could be a valid reason for how the investigation was being conducted.
“If they’ve got evidence on the basis of which there is a reasonable suspicion, then they may have a case,” said Grant.
Ipid head Robert McBride said he was shocked a suspect in an investigation “could stoop to such levels to shield himself from a legitimate investigation”.
“The audacity to abuse power in the manner and to have disregard for the rule of law in this way for personal interest is mind-boggling, to say the least,” said McBride.
ANC MP Angie Molebatsi of the parliamentary portfolio committee on policing is believed to be aware of the intended raid.
When asked what kind of a perception such a raid would create, given Phahlane was under investigation by Ipid, Molebatsi replied “no comment”.
O’Sullivan, however, was a little more forthcoming.
“This is interference. The constitution says Ipid should be independent and here they are going to raid Ipid,” he said.
He said Phahlane’s response to Ipid’s application for a interdict preventing Phahlane from interfering in the investigation was to ask for all the documentation Ipid had on Phahlane.
“If they are planning to raid, let them go ahead and do it. Neither myself, nor any of my staff have committed any offences.
“Phahlane thinks he is above the law and he can go and raid people’s offices to obtain all the evidence against him. Once you’ve been charged and the trial date is set, you’re given access to documentation in the police docket so you can prepare your defence.” –