ISS: Mdluli allowed to get off scot-free

Mdluli had been on suspension for nearly seven years whilst earning a full salary with benefits.

Mdluli is facing charges of kidnapping in connection with the murder of his ex-girlfriend's husband in 1999, and has also been accused of corruption and fraud. 

Mbalula said this paves the wave for the appointment of a permanent head of crime intelligence. 

"This enables us to move to the next chapter and instil stability and vision at crime intelligence." 

ISS head of crime and justice, Gareth Newham, believes there was enough evidence to prosecute Mdluli.

"The minister let Richard Mdluli get off scot-free. There is more than enough evidence to bring him before a disciplinary inquiry. If found guilty, he will lose all his benefits and pension. It would have been much better for the minister to make an example of him and send a clear message: If you are senior police official in SAPS and misuse your powers and you commit crimes against the people of the country you will be held accountable. "

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Mbalula has instructed national police commissioner, Khehla Sitole, to appoint Mdluli's successor.

Newham says the proper vetting of officers is desperately needed to ease the crisis at crime intelligence. 

"Do an independent assessment of every single major general and brigadier who is in the crime intelligence division. And that it identifies those officials who should not be there, who were appointed irregularly. Remember Richard Mdluli appointed well over twenty people, who are his friends and family, who have no crime intelligence experience or ability. Those people have to be identified and removed as a matter of urgency."

Mbalula vowed that Mdluli's successor will be appointed without delay to restore accountability at the unit.