Vindication for top metro cop
Charges against deputy chief have been dropped, writes
TOP Metro cop Steve Middleton has been cleared of charges relating to defeating the ends of justice. The deputy chief of Durban’s metro police was accused of “meddling” in a bribery matter involving his brother-in-law, a relative and two Metro cops. The charge has been hanging over him for the past five years. He was cleared last week.
Middleton said the National Prosecuting Authority’s stance of nolle prosequi (unwilling to pursue the charges against him) was welcome.
His brother-in-law and a relative were stopped by two metro policemen, who demanded a R400 bribe, in December 2011.
After paying R200, the brother-in-law informed Middleton, who informed a subordinate.
It led to an investigation and one of the policemen involved was dismissed.
“Being vindicated after nearly five years is a relief.”
Middleton said he was considering bringing a civil suit against the person he believed to be behind the allegations that have “tarnished his name and reputation”.
He has always been candid about his belief that his boss, metro police head, Eugene Nzama, was the person who instigated the charges.
“I had done nothing wrong, and from the word go I maintained my innocence.
“This was a malicious attempt to tarnish my name and reputation.
“This whole saga relates to politics and my alleged allegiance,” claimed Middleton.
The spat between Nzama and Middleton has been long-standing and based on apparent political allegiances within the ANC.
Middleton has been branded a backer of Zandile Gumede, head of eThekwini’s health, safety and social services department.
Nzama is aligned to James Nxumalo, eThekwini mayor.
Gumede and Nxumalo have been locked in a protracted and bitter duel over leadership of the ANC’s eThekwini region, the biggest in the country.
Gumede eventually wrested control in December.
Middleton also believed Nzama was behind his facing an internal disciplinary hearing over his unauthorised issuing of reflective jackets to an ANC member and a post on Facebook last year, which sup- ported protesting metro police.
Middleton has since taken the municipality to the labour court regarding the vests which matter is still pending.
He pleaded guilty to bringing the council into disrepute over his Facebook comment and was handed a 10-month suspension.
The city’s ombudsman also probed the 2011 bribery incident but the matter was dismissed.
SA Municipal Workers Association, the union that represents Middleton, welcomed the NPA’s action and accused Nzama of victimising other officers who worked with Gumede.
“This decision to stop the harassment of our member is a relief to us ,” said the union’s deputy secretary in eThekwini, Nkosinathi Zuma.
“Thanks to the SAPS for seeing through it and refusing to open trumped up charges.”
Recently, Nzama allegedly verbally abused Middleton for heeding the instructions of the city manager. Middleton has since lodged a grievance regarding this, Zuma confirmed.
Ethekwini head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa, said her department had noted the NPA’s decision and was pleased that the matter had been concluded.
“However, it is our policy not to discuss the outcomes of any legal proceedings against any member of staff with a third party,” she said.
Nzama was unavailable for comment.