Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Image: File
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has confirmed that the South African crime intelligence division's acquisition of two properties at inflated prices is currently under investigation by multiple agencies
Mchunu was asked during a question and answer session at Parliament when DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard enquired about the risks to the state for divulging the reasons for the increased purchase of a property in Durban, which was listed at R9,5 million and purchased for approximately R22,8 million.
“It is one of matters that are under investigation currently from different agencies,” he said.
“We would love when the matter is completed in terms of investigation, the report goes to the joint standing committee on intelligence for processing as opposed to giving answers here. We request that we process those matters accordingly,” Mchunu said.
Kohler Barnard said the matter was now in the public domain and it appeared as though those days of former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli have never left the division.
In his response, Mchunu said in as much the matter has gone to the public, it required proper processing.
“On our side we will take all measures, including addressing concerns of the members at appropriate time dealing with this matter.”
Pressed by MK party MP David Skosana what prompted the crime intelligence division to buy the property at high price, Mchunu said there were currently a number of challenges identified within the division.
“In order for us to be comprehensive to all the challenges in crime intelligence, we launched an investigation. When the investigation is completed we would want to take it up with the joint standing committee. It will be open for all of us to scrutinise and ask further questions,” said Mchunu.
He said they were very concerned with the state of affairs at the crime intelligence division.
“We are not sweeping anything under the carpet,” said Mchunu.
In another development, Mchunu asked to answer a question posed by DA MP Ian Cameron in the joint standing committee on intelligence.
Cameron asked whether family members of Mdluli, who were appointed while he headed the division, were still in service at the division.
The Minister said the question was sensitive and required due processing via the standing committee.
“We must appeal to the Speaker and you that it is time this committee begins to function so that we don’t have things get stalled. We would want to process them in that particular fashion.”
Mchunu told MPs that the current investigations by the Hawks, Inspector-General of Intelligence and Independent Directorate were dealing with the appointments at the division and finances.
“Those matters fall into two categories will be investigated accordingly,” Mchunu added.
Earlier, Mchunu told the police portfolio committee that certain matters were under investigation by the Inspector-General of Intelligence.
“These are matters whether in your opinion the allegations are unfounded or valid, you need to bring closure if you want the integrity of the organisation to remain intact
“If you don’t do that you leave the organisation vulnerable and the credibility question follow it.”
Mchunu said some of the matters investigated included the purchase of properties and money that was taken at the East London crime intelligence division offices.
“We are hoping at the end of such investigations some of the things will be much clearer so that when we take action, we know based on what was investigated and the outcome.” Mchunu said.
mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za
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