Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli abused his powers and was caught in a web of lies, deceit and a series of crimes, the Boksburg Magistrates Court heard on Monday.
The case against Mdluli and his co-accused was postponed until Tuesday as the state’s witness could not complete his testimony by 4.15pm.
Investigator Kobus Roelofse, who was involved in the Glenn Agliotti investigation, testified that Mdluli had been directly linked to the 1999 murder of Oupa Ramogibe and witnesses had identified him in related assault and kidnapping cases.
He said the lives of key witnesses would be in danger if the accused were released on bail, as Mdluli and his co-accused knew who they were.
Mdluli, Lieutenant Colonel Mtunzi-Omhle Mthembeni Mtunzi, 52, court orderly Samuel Dlomo, 49, and Colonel Nkosana Sebastian Ximba, 38, stand accused of killing Ramogibe.
All four accused earlier told the court they did not know who the witnesses were.
Roelofse said if found guilty the accused could get lengthy prison terms because the state had a strong prima facie case against them.
He said considering Mdluli’s rank was one below national police commissioner General Bheki Cele, it was highly likely that police friends and colleagues could tamper with evidence.
Based on the gravity of the case and doubts that the accused would obey bail conditions, Roelofse asked the court to deny all four bail.
He said investigations were continuing and that the National Prosecuting Authority intended taking the matter to the high court.
Mdluli had implied earlier that the charges against him were fabricated as a result of a conspiracy against him by two senior police officials who tried to derail his promotion.
On Monday, however, he refused to comment on whether he believed the charges were trumped up.
“I will answer that only at the trial,” he said.
Mdluli and his three co-accused are charged with intimidation, three counts of kidnapping, two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
Mdluli is facing an additional charge of defeating and/or obstructing the course of justice. — Sapa