/ 25 June 2012

Mdluli stays benched as judge puts labour case on hold

Former police spy boss Richard Mdluli.
Former police spy boss Richard Mdluli.

Judgment was stayed in a complex dispute over the suspension of former crime intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli by the Labour Court in Johannesburg on Monday.

Judge Andre van Niekerk chose this ruling because a similar case was under way in a separate court.

Mdluli has also appealed against an interim order by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria’s that he be suspended.

Speaking outside Labour Court, lawyer for the police, advocate William Mokhari said: “The effect of today’s order is that Mr Mdluli cannot report for duty.”

The high court granted the interim order to Freedom Under Law so that a review could be undertaken of the processes relating to Mdluli’s original suspension and reinstatement.

Last year, Mdluli faced a raft of fraud and corruption charges relating to the alleged misuse of a secret crime intelligence fund to buy luxury vehicles.

He also faced a charge of murder relating to the death of an ex-lover’s husband.

These charges led to his initial suspension, but they were withdrawn and he was reinstated.

Van Niekerk made no order as to costs.

Once the Mdluli case was adjourned, the court began hearing that of senior advocate Glynnis Breytenbach.

She believes her suspension is related to her investigation of Mdluli, but the National Prosecuting Authority denies this. – Sapa