By OBAKENG MAJE
4 November 2024- The Pretoria High Court dismissed Richard Mdluli’s application for a postponement of the trial to await the outcome of his leave to appeal. Mduli’s application for leave to appeal is as a result of the South African Police Service (SAPS) refusing to pay for his legal fees.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said his appeal to the SAPS decision was also dismissed by the court. Mamothame further said Mdluli’s attorney subsequently withdrew on record, citing lack of funds by the client.
“The IDAC prosecutor also argued strongly against the postponement. Mdluli, together with the former South African Police Service (SAPS), Supply Chain Manager Heine Barnard and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Solomon Lazarus, are facing charges of corruption, fraud and theft relating to the police’s secret slush fund from the time they were employed by the SAPS in the Crime Intelligence Services, between 2008 and 2012,” he added.
In dismissing Mdluli’s application, Judge Makamu agreed with IDAC and highlighted that this matter has been on the court roll for a long time and that it prejudices the other two accused, who placed it on record that they are ready to proceed with trial. Makamu indicated that, Mdluli’s leave to appeal has a lot of uncertainties which may require him to approach the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) and the Constitutional Court, should the ruling be not in his favour.
Meanwhile, the matter was postponed until 5 November 2024, for Mdluli to approach Legal Aid South Africa to ascertain if he qualifies for legal assistance.
The Guardian 