The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

It was revealed today in response to a parliamentary question I posed to the Minister of Police that suspended police spy boss Richard Mdluli does not have security clearance.

The reply indicated that the security clearance of Mdluli and that of Crime Intelligence Finance head Solly Lazarus had expired and that they were in the process of applying for renewal.

The New Age further reports  today that Mdluli’s second suspension may be halted and reviewed. The suspension is the result of courageous action by Acting National Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in alleged defiance of the whims of the executive. Who is protecting Richard Mdluli, and why?

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa must explain why and how the president and senior politicians were placed at risk by allowing Mdluli to absorb the VIP Protection Services of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and place it under his wing in Crime Intelligence. It is unfathomable that a man without passing the necessary security tests is allowed to oversee and control the police officers guarding the president, ministers and premiers when he himself is not allowed to go anywhere near them.

The Minister must also explain how a man without the requisite security clearance could be placed and then reinstated into a position in which he oversaw the intelligence operations of the SAPS, including authorising the interception of communications in police and Hawks investigations.

I will be submitting parliamentary questions to the Minister to get an explanation of how this astonishing situation came about and for how long it was allowed to carry on.