The Scorpions launched searches early on Thursday morning on the home and business premises of Glenn Agliotti, the man they suspect of being the so-called “landlord” — a syndicate boss linked to an international smuggling ring.
His legal representative said Agliotti had cooperated fully with the search.
Agliotti is the long-time friend of police commissioner Jackie Selebi, and has previously denied being “the landlord” or having any involvement in drug smuggling.
However, the warrant used to secure the searches lists Agliotti as one of 12 identified persons suspected of crimes ranging from corruption to drug trafficking, money laundering and defeating the ends of justice.
Among the people named are several senior police officers, some of them apparently still serving in the SAPS, all apparently linked to the activities of Paul Stemmet, a police reservist who conducted undercover work for the police and was said to have had direct access to top police officers, including Selebi.
Stemmet is also one of those listed, as are Freddie Burger and Chris Schutte, who were also associated with Stemmet’s controversial security company, Palto.
Even more startling is the name of Captain MornÃ