Mdluli ready to testify
Former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli says he is prepared to provide testimony at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture at any time.
“I will wait for that time if ever I am called. Even tomorrow I can go,” he said.
The former spy boss maintains there is certain information which he cannot publicly disclose but would welcome any opportunity to divulge it to the commission.
Mdluli was implicated in testimony this week by Hawks investigator Kobus Roelofse, who has been testifying at the commission.
Roelofse alleges Mdluli used more than R300 000 from crime intelligence’s secret service slush fund for flights and accommodation for him and his family.
Roelofse told the commission criminal activity within crime intelligence started at the very top and his attempts to investigate were often obstructed.
The commission heard how Mdluli’s actions were meant to frustrate investigations.
Roelofse told the commission how the “SA Police Service lifted Mdluli’s suspension and he continued with his duties as divisional commissioner”.
“On April 4, 2012, Mdluli released a circular to all CI [crime intelligence] members for signature, warning them not to disclose classified information to the media and other persons, or bodies not authorised to receive such information,” said Roelofse.
The use of state funds to pay for travel costs for Mdluli, his family and families of other senior crime intelligence officers was among matters Roelofse wanted probed.
The secret service account was used to operate safe houses, purchase assets and pay informants in covert operations.
Mdluli faced charges of fraud, theft and corruption for allegedly pillaging the crime intelligence slush fund. The charges were withdrawn in 2011.
Testifying for a third day, Roelofse said: “His suspension was lifted on March 31, 2012. During that period [when] he went back to work, I was informed by crime intelligence members, quite a few of them, that General Mdluli came and tried to identify the CI members who assisted me in the investigation,” he said.
Roelofse said more than 20 crime intelligence members were transferred within days of Mdluli’s return. – Additional reporting by News24 Wire
I will wait for that time if ever I am called. Even tomorrow I can go.
Richard Mdluli Former head of crime intelligence
Sentencing proceedings of former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli and his co-accused, Mthembeni Mthunzi, were yesterday postponed to November 7 and 8 in the High Court in Johannesburg.
The court is still waiting for two reports to be handed in, the prosecution said.
The case has been ongoing for four years.
On July 30, Mdluli and Mthunzi were found guilty of charges relating to the 1999 kidnapping and assault of Oupa Ramogibe. Ramogibe was married to Mdluli’s former lover, Tshidi Buthelezi. Mdluli had paid lobola for her.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng found Mdluli guilty of four counts of intimidation, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of common assault and two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Mthunzi was found guilty of two counts of kidnapping, two counts of common assault and two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
They were both acquitted of the intimidation of Buthelezi’s friend, Alice Manana, and defeating the ends of justice. Mdluli had a long-term relationship with Buthelezi, dating back to his school days. During her relationship with him, she met Ramogibe and they began a relationship.
They eventually got married on July 22, 1998. Between 1997 and 1999, Mdluli allegedly went to extreme lengths to track down Buthelezi and Ramogibe.
Mdluli and Mthunzi allegedly kidnapped and assaulted Ramogibe.
He was shot dead in 1999. No one was ever convicted of Ramogibe’s murder.
Mdluli was accused of sabotaging the investigation.
Former spy official found guilty on 10 counts