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The DA welcomes news that suspended Crime Intelligence Chief Financial Officer Major-General Solly Lazarus appeared in court today on charges of theft, fraud and corruption relating to the looting of the Crime Intelligence slush fund. We are, however, concerned that there is still no clarity on investigations into the involvement of suspended Crime Intelligence Head Richard Mdluli’s in corruption relating to this same fund.

Both Major-General Lazarus and Mdluli were suspended earlier this year in relation to the looting of the crime intelligence secret fund.

The Mdluli suspension only came about as a result of massive political pressure by the DA on the Minister of Police, who initially simply moved Mdluli to another position.

Lazarus has been arrested along with Colonel Heine Barnard. They are both accused of benefitting personally from the slush fund to the tune of R1,2 million.

The charges laid against Mdluli were withdrawn and this case is apparently not linked to the case against Mdluli.

How is it possible that Mdluli continues to escape the spotlight on the slush fund?

As far as we are aware, the Inspector General for Intelligence (IGI), Adv. Faith Radebe, is still investigating Mdluli’s involvement in the fund. The DA has previously requested the Public Protector to investigate the misuse of the crime intelligence slush fund. However, Adv Madonsela stated that she would await the IGI’s investigation and if we were dissatisfied with the results that she would conduct her own investigation.

I will be writing to Adv. Radebe today to enquire as to whether this investigation is complete and what the findings were. Mdluli remains uncharged. His name cannot have been linked to this slush fund without cause. The South African public needs answers.