Former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli wants to testify at Ad Hoc Committee

Former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, one of the most polarising figures in South Africa’s law enforcement history, has signalled his intention to testify before the Ad Hoc Committee on the Reform of the Intelligence Services. Mdluli, who previously led the Crime Intelligence Division of the South African Police Service (SAPS), believes his testimony will shed light on what he describes as “systemic corruption, political interference, and the misuse of intelligence resources” that have plagued the agency for over a decade.

This move has already sparked debate in political and security circles, as Mdluli’s own tenure at the helm of Crime Intelligence was marred by allegations of corruption, fraud, and abuse of power — issues that continue to haunt the credibility of South Africa’s intelligence and policing institutions.

Mdluli’s Intent to Testify

According to a statement reportedly submitted to Parliament, Mdluli has requested an opportunity to give oral evidence before the Ad Hoc Committee. He argues that his testimony could help the committee understand the “root causes of dysfunction” within Crime Intelligence and broader security operations, particularly regarding how political interests have compromised operational integrity.

“I want to clear the air and put the truth on record,” Mdluli reportedly wrote in his submission. “For too long, the public has been misled about what really happened during my tenure and after. I have information that will expose those who used the intelligence community for personal and political gain.”

Sources close to the parliamentary process confirmed that the committee had received correspondence from Mdluli’s representatives and was deliberating on whether to allow him to appear as a witness. Some members are said to be cautious, given Mdluli’s controversial background and prior convictions, while others argue that his insights — though potentially self-serving — could illuminate how deeply entrenched problems in the intelligence sector became.

Political and Public Reaction

Mdluli’s offer to testify has generated a strong reaction across the political spectrum. Members of the African National Congress (ANC) have largely remained silent, but opposition parties have expressed scepticism. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have both questioned his motives, suggesting that Mdluli might be attempting to rehabilitate his public image or deflect from his own past misconduct.

EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys told reporters, “This is a man who had every opportunity to act ethically when he was in power, but instead, he participated in the very corruption he now wants to expose. We are not opposed to hearing him, but we take everything he says with a bucket of salt.”

Meanwhile, civil society organisations have also weighed in. The Helen Suzman Foundation urged Parliament to ensure that any testimony from Mdluli be corroborated and subjected to strict scrutiny, noting that “his record raises significant credibility issues.”

Despite the mixed responses, there is a growing consensus that Mdluli’s testimony — if granted — could be explosive. Given his proximity to key political figures and sensitive intelligence operations during his tenure, he could offer a rare insider’s view of how intelligence was allegedly weaponised to protect certain individuals while targeting others.

A Controversial Legacy

Richard Mdluli was appointed head of SAPS Crime Intelligence in 2009, during a period when internal factional battles within the ANC were increasingly spilling into the country’s security agencies. His leadership quickly became synonymous with scandal.

In 2011, Mdluli was suspended amid allegations of fraud, corruption, and the misuse of state funds — including claims that he had used intelligence slush funds for personal expenses such as family trips and luxury cars. Later investigations linked him to the manipulation of investigations for political purposes, including the alleged protection of senior ANC figures.

Although he denied wrongdoing, Mdluli’s career came to a dramatic end after years of legal battles. In 2020, he was convicted on kidnapping and assault charges dating back to the 1990s, related to the abduction of a man linked to a love triangle involving Mdluli’s former partner. He was sentenced to five years in prison and has since been released on parole.

Why His Testimony Matters

The Ad Hoc Committee, established earlier this year, is tasked with reviewing South Africa’s intelligence framework amid mounting concerns about corruption, internal rivalry, and the politicisation of security agencies. The committee’s findings are expected to inform legislative reforms and institutional restructuring of the State Security Agency (SSA) and the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division.

Analysts say Mdluli’s testimony could provide critical insight into the operational culture within Crime Intelligence during one of its most turbulent eras. Dr. Ralph Mathekga, a political analyst, commented:

“While Mdluli’s credibility is questionable, his inside knowledge of how intelligence was used to settle political scores is valuable. If he’s willing to name names and provide evidence, Parliament should hear him out — but with caution.”

Committee’s Response and Next Steps

The Ad Hoc Committee has not yet made a formal decision on whether to allow Mdluli to testify. Committee chairperson [Name, if known] confirmed that members would meet in the coming week to deliberate.

“We have received Mr. Mdluli’s request. The committee will consider it in line with parliamentary protocols and the need for transparency and accountability,” the chairperson said.

If approved, Mdluli’s testimony could take place in November, possibly under oath and behind closed doors, given the sensitive nature of intelligence matters. Parliamentary insiders suggest that if his testimony proves credible, it could trigger further investigations into historical abuses of power within both SAPS and the SSA.

Public Trust and Accountability

For many South Africans, Mdluli’s reemergence in the public eye is a reminder of the deep rot that has long plagued the country’s law enforcement and intelligence systems. His case exemplifies how power and impunity can erode accountability within critical state institutions.

Security expert Pieter du Toit noted:

“The intelligence services were turned into political tools. Mdluli’s era represents the peak of that dysfunction. If he genuinely wants to tell the truth, it could help the country understand what went wrong — and how to fix it.”

Still, others remain wary that his testimony could be an attempt at reputation management. Either way, his potential appearance before Parliament is likely to reopen old wounds and reignite debate about how South Africa’s intelligence structures became compromised — and whether they can ever fully recover.

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