By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 November 2026 – The corruption trial involving former Crime Intelligence Head, Richard Mdluli and his co-accused, has been postponed to 16 November 2026, following Mdluli’s ill-health. The matter was scheduled to continue with further evidence in a trial-within-a-trial concerning the validity of search warrants issued during the investigation.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state has completed presenting its evidence-in-chief through its first witness, a retired investigator who previously served in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Mamothame said the witness was undergoing cross-examination by the defence before proceedings in the trial-within-a-trial commenced on Monday.
“Mdluli is charged alongside former South African Police Service (SAPS) Supply Chain Manager (SCM), Heine Barnard and former Chief Financial Officer Solomon Lazarus. The trio faces charges of corruption, fraud and theft relating to the alleged misuse of the SAPS Crime Intelligence secret service account between 2008 and 2012.
“All three accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case was postponed to 16 November 2026,” he said.
