Nathi Nhleko: I can't find a job due to state capture allegations
Former Police Minister Nathi Nhleko has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that the testimony by former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride in 2019 has tarnished his image.
McBride, who has since been appointed as the head of State Security's Foreign Branch, testified that Nhleko was a key player in the controversial investigation into the unlawful rendition of 10 Zimbabwean nationals.
He described the entire investigation and subsequent report as a political conspiracy meant to remove former Hawks boss Anwa Dramat and his Gauteng colleague Shadrack Sibiya.
In his opening remarks on Monda, Nhleko's lawyer, Advocate William Mokhari, said his client wants to clear his name as has been treated unfairly by the commission.
"Mr Nhleko wrote a letter to the commission asking when he will be allowed to testify and also to cross-examine Mr McBride. He was told his affidavit was given to Mr. McBride for a response, but to this date, he has not heard of any response from Mr McBride.
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"When Mr Nhleko made a follow-up on the opportunity as to when he will be given an opportunity to put his story, given the serious impact the allegations made by McBride to his career prospects and that he is unable to find a job as a result of that, he was told that he should wait."
Mokhari told the commission that Nhleko will refute allegations that he was involved in efforts by law enforcement to capture the state.