New top police appointments set to be announced today

POLICE Minister Bheki Cele and national police commissioner General Khehla Sitole will introduce new appointments in key divisions of the police service today‚ including a new crime intelligence head.

In January, crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli‚ who had been suspended since 2012‚ was relieved of his duties by former police minister Fikile Mbalula.

Mdluli was appointed as head of crime intelligence in 2009.

Mdluli‚ who is on trial for kidnapping and has weathered numerous allegations of fraud and corruption‚ was on paid leave for six years‚ earning his full salary and bonuses.

The entire Mdluli debacle has cost the taxpayer about R10-million.

Mdluli and his co-accused‚ Mthembeni Mthunzi‚ are facing charges relating to the death of Oupa Abel Ramogibe‚ Mdluli’s ex-girlfriend’s husband‚ in 1999.

The pair are alleged to have kidnapped and assaulted Ramogibe.

They are also accused of intimidating his family and defeating the ends of justice.

But an inquest cleared them of any involvement in Ramogibe’s murder. They have pleaded not guilty. “In the past five years, crime intelligence has seen 12 acting divisional commissioners,” Mbalula said when Mdluli’s contract was terminated.

“In this regard I wish to announce that Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli‚ who held the position of divisional commissioner‚ albeit under a long suspension‚ with mutual agreement‚ will be relieved of his duties with immediate effect.”

Other appointments that will be announced by Cele and Sitole today include that of Sitole’s successor as provincial police commissioner of the Free State.

Cele and Sitole will also announce the names of the new divisional commissioners for detective services and protection and security services. – TimesLIVE