Nhleko tries to convince Constitutional Court to uphold McBride suspension
POLICE Minister Nathi Nhleko on Tuesday tried to persuade the Constitutional Court to keep alive his decision to suspend Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride, despite acknowledging that he did not have the legal power to suspend him.Initially, Nhleko fought tooth and nail to protect his power under the Ipid Act to suspend and discipline McBride. But, by the time the highest court was scheduled to hear the dispute, both sides agreed on the big issues. What was left was a narrow question of how to avoid McBride returning to work in the face of serious allegations.McBride was suspended in March last year on allegations that he had covered up the alleged involvement of senior Hawks officials in the unlawful renditions of four Zimbabweans.An initial Ipid report pointed the finger at the Hawks officers, but a second version appeared to exonerate them.The rendition scandal led to the early exit of former Hawks head Anwa Dramat, with a negotiated package, ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.