Suspended crime intelligence head Richard Mdluli dismissed

The announcement was made by Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula on Wednesday.

Mbalula says Mdluli and the department were able to reach an agreement.

"In this regard I wish to announce that Lieutenant General Richard Mdluli  who held the position of divisional commissioner albeit under a long suspension with mutual agreement will be relieved off his duties with immediate effect", said Mbalula. 

Mdluli is still on trial for kidnapping in connection with the murder of his ex-girlfriend's husband in 1999.

He has been receiving a full salary and bonuses for six years.

National Police Commissioner Kehla Sithole says Mdluli will be paid out his full benefits.

ALSO READ: Mbalula welcomes SAPS appointments

"There has been a disciplinary process going on in case of General Mdluli and that particular process was driven according to the reservations and all other related prescripts.

"The mutual agreement part with the General was to say that he is no longer far away from finishing. We don't want to tamper with the regulation process as well as any other criminal investigation processes. 

"Then we agreed that we relieve him and get someone who can come in and render the service to the community. That is the agreement that we reached."   

ALSO READ: Former Hawks boss blames Mdluli for the demise of his career

He also made it clear that suspended police officers will no longer be paid.  

"I look at the audit in terms of the number of senior officials that are not necessarily serving but may be on suspension.

"One other example of this case is that of KZN provincial post. The minister has put it right to say that we wouldn't continue paying senior officers who are not serving officers because they earn a high salary."