Zondo inquiry hears of ‘parallel’ investigations into Phahlane
The commission of inquiry into state capture has heard more details of parallel investigations into former top cop Khomotso Phahlane.
Former head of the Hawks in North West Hawks Jan Mabula told the commission on Thursday that an investigation into an alleged security breach at Phahlane’s home was backed by North Gauteng director of public prosecutions Sibongile Mzinyathi.
Mabula led the controversial North West investigation unit, which was established in 2016.
At the time, the Independent Investigative Directorate (Ipid), headed by Robert McBride, was also investigating allegations of corruption against Phahlane.
Forensic investigator Paul 'O Sullivan was involved in the investigation against Phahlane.
"I decided to go see Advocate Mzinyathi as the DPP. It was a well-known fact that Ipid was busy with an investigation in the same area where he had this security threat. So there were two investigations," Mabula told the commission.
He said he was unsure whether to proceed with this investigation, hence the decision to approach Mzinyathi.
ALSO READ: Airbnb bans parties at rental properties amid pandemic
Mzinyathi appointed an advocate in her office to assist in overseeing the investigation.
McBride and former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Joyan Booysen both testified that the Mabulu team was established to interfere with Ipid probes into corruption allegations against top cops.
O'Sullivan, his assistant and two Ipid officials were subsequently charged with intimidation and fraud.
But the charges were later dropped.
Mabula told the commission that he does not decide whether to proceed with criminal charges against anyone, as the decision lies with the National Prosecuting Authority.