There is no evidence that I looted account, says Cele

POLICE Minister Bheki Cele said there was no evidence implicating him in the looting of crime intelligence’s secret service account, and that the allegations made against him lacked evidence.

Cele’s spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba, was responding to allegations made by crime intelligence officer Colonel Dhanajaya Naidoo that the minister received money from the crime intelligence secret service account. Naidoo testified at the Zondo Commission yesterday.

His testimony focused on the looting of the secret service account intended for operational intelligence work of the unit. Naidoo has been under witness protection for 11 years after he blew the whistle on the alleged looting.

His testimony implicated Cele, who was the commissioner of police at the time of the alleged incident.

He said former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli had told former financial officer for the slush fund, General Solly Lazarus, that he would be removed from managing the account. Lazarus, who was allegedly key to the looting of the slush fund, began lobbying Cele to halt his removal.

Naidoo recalled that Lazarus had meetings with Cele, but detailed one particular one that took place at the home of Durban businessman Panganathan “Timmy” Marimuthu.

He said Lazarus needed money for the meeting and he offered to give him R40 000. Naidoo said he believed the funds were meant for Cele, adding that he had no reason not to think so.

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo questioned Naidoo on why he assumed the money was for a bribe.

Responding on Cele’s behalf, Themba said the minister had noted the utterances made against him by Naidoo.

“The minister believes there hasn’t been any evidence implicating him and it would be illogical to respond to assumptions,” he said.

Themba said Cele would wait for Naidoo to finish his testimony before responding.

“However, it must be emphasised that throughout the testimony of this particular witness concerning General Cele, even the chairperson of the State Capture Commission, Judge Zondo, pointed out gaps in his testimony, calling for him to give evidence based on facts and not assumptions,” he said.

Themba said that at some point, even the witness admitted that he was making assumptions about his version of events.

Naidoo also implicated Tiso Blackstar journalist Ranjeni Munusamy.

He said that in 2008 he was asked by his former boss, crime intelligence head Mulangi Mphego, to help a friend called “Jenni” who had vehicle problems. He said he subsequently learnt that it was Munusamy being referred to as “Jenni”.

“I met her (Munusamy) on two or three occasions. I contacted her to make arrangements to collect her vehicle so we could fix it for her. I met her (Munusamy) at an Engen garage which is not far from her house. There was not much talk and she handed over the keys,” he said.

Naidoo said Munusamy’s BMW convertible was repaired for run-flat tyres, a radio and seats, which amounted to R40 000.