Ex-Ipid boss, forensic investigator implicated in plot to oust former top cop

CEDRICK Nkabinde, chief of staff for suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, was part of a “task team” plotting allegedly with instructions from forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, and former head of Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Robert McBride, to block ex-police national commissioner Khomotso Phahlane from occupying the position permanently. 

Nkabinde, who previously worked at IPID, was testifying before the parliamentary inquiry probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Phahlane served as the acting national commissioner from October 15, 2015, to June 1, 2017.

Nkabinde said the plot against Phahlane was hatched at a meeting that took place at the O’Sullivan house, which used to belong to Radovan Krejcir, a Czech criminal fugitive serving a prison term.

He said the task team consisted of McBride, O’Sullivan, the late Mandlakayise Mahlangu of IPID, himself, McBride’s personal assistant Sarah-Jane Trent, a white lady called Candice from Crime Intelligence, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, two white males from AfriForum, and the DA, as well as a white lady who was a journalist.

He said AfriForum guaranteed that funds were available to carry out this mission.

Nkabinde also claimed that O’Sullivan was responsible for spying and finding anything against Phahlane.

“The meeting sought to plot how to usurp the entire security cluster – National Prosecuting Authority, Crime Intelligence, State Security Agency, and Directorate of Priority Crimes. Specific individuals were identified to be targeted for the purpose of removal from positions.”

He also said McBride had guaranteed that IPID would go after the specified individuals.

According to Nkabinde, the plan of the task team was to ensure that Phahlane was suspended and then take on whoever replaced him in an acting capacity.

“The main reason was that Paul O’Sullivan wanted Robert McBride to become the national commissioner. We were targeting everyone who occupied that seat.”

He added that “it was a well-known fact that McBride wanted to become the national commissioner and was telling members of the task team that he wanted to be considered for the post”.

Phahlane was ultimately suspended following an investigation into a “blue lights” tender and for a sound system that was installed at his house, allegedly by a service provider benefitting from SAPS contracts.

He said the charges against Phahlane were fabricated, and that is why it can’t be proven in court.

“We created a scenario where we have a search and seizure (warrant) to go to his house to look for a sound system that he bought. The main aim was not about the sound system, but the aim was to come with the media to the acting national commissioner’s house raid so that the president would have no choice but to remove him.”

MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo, who questioned Nkabinde on the matter, stated that it was important for Phahlane to testify at the inquiry.

Other MPs wanted O’Sullivan and McBride to appear after Nkabinde made the litany of allegations against them.

Cape Times