Fikile Mbalula confirms Crime Intelligence boss fired, after six years on fully-paid suspension

Ex-Crime Intelligence Head Richard Mdluli arrives at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on June 24, 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Fikile Mbalula confirms Crime Intelligence boss fired, after six years on fully-paid suspension

Sign us up for that job, please

Fikile Mbalula confirms Crime Intelligence boss fired, after six years on fully-paid suspension

Ex-Crime Intelligence Head Richard Mdluli arrives at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on June 24, 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Only in South Africa, right? Fikile Mbalula confirmed on Wednesday that the former head of Crime Intelligence Richard Mdluli has finally been released from his ‘duties’. This comes after he spent the last six years sitting on a fully-paid suspension.

The move is another part of the ANC beginning plans to salvage their reputation. Indeed, the rhetoric during Mbalula’s press conference was solely forward-minded. It is thought Mdluli’s paid suspension has cost the taxpayer R10 million. Yikes.

Richard Mdluli cost to the taxpayer

The Police Chief also announced that a new head of Hawks would be chosen, after Berning Ntlemeza vacated the post.

Fikile Mbalula welcomes Hawks applications

Speaking at a press conference, the minister announced that the interview process could begin for the leadership of the division, and invited ‘any South Africans’ to apply:

“An Independent Interviewing Panel will be appointed to advise me on a fit and proper shortlist of candidates to choose from. In this regard, I invite our members and all South Africans who have this career passion to apply.”

“The case of General Berning Ntlemeza was decided in December. His application for leave to appeal was dismissed. Mr Ntlemeza has since signed the relevant retirement documents.”

Why was Richard Mdluli suspended?

Richard Mdluli was suspended following charges for the 1999 murder of Oupa Abel Ramogibe – Mdluli’s ex-girlfriend’s husband. He was arrested on March 31 2011, and officially suspended on May 8 of that year. The former CI chief has continued to received his wage right up until today.

Just a month after Jacob Zuma stepped down as the ANC President, Mdluli’s free ride comes to a halt. Conspiracy theorists will be licking their lips over this one…