Top cop slammed over plans to raid watchdog’s offices

THE INDEPENDENT Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has lashed out at acting police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane over a planned raid of the Ipid offices by the police.

Ipid head Robert McBride said his office “received reliable information” that the National Intervention Unit was on standby to carry out the raid.

“If the information is true, this is yet more evidence of a systematic campaign to try to derail the investigation against General Phahlane, who is being investigated for various allegations including corruption, defeating the ends of justice and money laundering,” McBride said in a statement.

“It is shocking that police resources would be used to shield a suspect just because of the position he holds.

“The audacity to abuse power and disregard for the rule of law for personal interest is staggering.”

The Ipid and Phahlane have been at loggerheads over an investigation by

HE IS ACCUSED OF PAYING POLICE SERVICE PROVIDERS THROUGH BAGS OF CASH

the police watchdog.

The Ipid was investigating how Phahlane paid for a home in a luxury estate believed to be worth R8 million and cars worth R4.3m. He is also accused of paying police service providers through bags of cash from the boot of his car.

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said that he was exploring legal options after receiving a request from Ipid to place Phahlane on suspension or leave. – ANA