Crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, in a letter to President Jacob Zuma, said former president Thabo Mbeki’s camp was trying to take over police intelligence ahead of the 2012 African National Congress (ANC) conference.
“These were the very same members that were involved in negative campaigning at the ANC conference in Polokwane.
“They were in Mbeki’s camp and trying to take control of the intelligence environment within the police by devious tactics,” the letter, which was penned by Mdluli, read.
This emerged at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday during the bail hearing of Mdluli and his three co-accused.
The letter was sent to Zuma and several ministers in November last year, asking the president to intervene.
Mdluli, Lieutenant Colonel Mtunzi-Omhle Mthembeni Mtunzi (52), court orderly Samuel Dlomo (49) and Colonel Nkosana Sebastian Ximba (38) stand accused of killing Oupa Ramogibe in 1999.
Mdluli had allegedly been in a relationship with Ramogibe’s wife before she was married.
The letter said Mdluli’s cellphone had been tapped and junior intelligence members were trying to link him to the love-triangle murder.
He said he had been investigated three times and on two occasions exonerated.
Bruising battle
He said Ximba was an active ANC member and played an important role in the Polokwane conference when Zuma was elected after a bruising battle with Mbeki for the leadership of the ANC.
Ximba was also the bodyguard of ANC veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
“[He] also played an important role during the president’s trying times with his engagement with the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority].
“The question now arises what and how do they want to use the intelligence environment to affect the 2012 build-up to the ANC.”
Mdluli went on to say he had requested an independent body to investigate the matter.
“I find it disturbing and embarrassing that I have been investigated for no apparent reason, especially when initiated by persons who have proven themselves disloyal.”
Mdluli said he was a loyal ANC member and asked Zuma to check on his cellphone being tapped. — Sapa