The Democratic Alliance has called on acting police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to immediately suspend Crime Intelligence head Richard Mdluli.
DA MP, Dianne Kohler-Barnard made the call on Wednesday after an inquest court heard damning evidence Tuesday that Mdluli had assaulted a former girlfriend, kidnapped and assaulted two of her friends and repeatedly intimidated several of her family members.
The controversial intelligence boss was reinstated in the police when criminal charges against him were provisionally withdrawn pending the outcome of the inquest into the death of Oupa Ramogibe.
Kohler-Barnard says "it is unthinkable that Mdluli is able to effectively and efficiently execute his duties while preoccupied with an on-going inquest into the allegations of murder and other criminal behaviour against him."
"The fact that Mdluli is back in the top job of a unit that he allegedly defrauded is similarly inexplicable. He cannot continue heading this unit while the allegations of fraud, murder, kidnapping, intimidation and assault against him remain unanswered," Kohler-Barnard said.
"The controversial reinstatement of Mdluli two weeks ago not only undermines the credibility of the police, but also poses a risk to national security given his responsibilities as head of Crime Intelligence."
Kohler-Barnard said "there was no good reason to lift the suspension in the first place given the cloud of controversy over Mdluli's head. The Acting National Commissioner must protect the integrity of the police and avoid any potential threats to national security by suspending Richard Mdluli with immediate effect."
