South Africa Presidency Addresses ‘Unfounded Allegations’

The South African Presidency has spoken out on “unfounded allegations about President Jacob Zuma’s so-called relationship with Lt-Gen Richard Mdluli” of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

It said some commentators and reports continue to make several accusations against the President with regard to Mdluli.

On media insinuations that Zuma wanted to appoint Mdluli as National Police Commissioner, the Presidency said General Bheki Cele remained the National Police Commissioner, adding that Zuma had not announced any intention of appointing a new commissioner.

In addition it said: “Recently, a media house went to the extent of publishing that the President had in December attended a party to celebrate Lt Gen Mdluli’s acquittal, and that he had telephoned the Inspector General of Intelligence, interfering with the investigation of Lt Gen Mdluli. Both were complete fabrications.”

The Presidency also pointed out that Zuma has never received a letter from Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli.

“The media has alleged that Lt General Mdluli gave the President a letter accusing four top police officers of a conspiracy against him. The President has never received such a letter. Neither has the Presidency,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The Presidency also noted that last year, some sections of the media went to great lengths, “authoritatively linking” Zuma to personalities who were implicated in the police lease agreements and created links that did not exist.

“We wish to urge the media to be cautious and stick to the facts when reporting such matters,” the Presidency said.

It noted that Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa had announced the steps that he was taking to attend to the matter relating to Mdluli.