Suspended McBride fights back

POLICE Minister Nathi Nhleko’s intention to suspend Robert McBride from his duties for 60 days pending a disciplinary hearing “is motivated by illegitimate political reasons and calculated to undermine an investigation which vindicates suspended Hawks boss Anwa Dramat and Gauteng head Shadrack Sibiya”, says McBride.

The director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) turned to the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria yesterday to try to avert his possible suspension.

McBride, in a strongly worded affidavit handed to the court, accused the minister of “a blatant abuse of power”, and of having ulterior motives for try- ing to get rid of him.

According to McBride, the minister wants to make use of underhand methods to appoint his own head of Ipid.

“I cannot stand by idly while the minister, without my consultation or permission, undermines my leadership of the Ipid and interferes with its operations and investigations,” McBride said.

He asked Judge Hans Fabricius to in the interim interdict the minister from taking any steps to suspend him from his duties.

The court was told McBride should remain in his position, pending a further application to test the constitutionality of legislation which gives the minister the power to suspend or remove the executive director of Ipid.

Advocate Steven Budlender, for McBride, said papers had already been drawn up for the second leg of the application, and that the interim interdict thus did not need to be in operation for an indefinite period.

Judge Fabricius indicated he would deliver judgment on Wednesday on whether to issue the interim interdict.

Nhleko, meanwhile, undertook not to take a decision, pending Wednesday’s ruling.

Robert McBride