Former Acting Police Commissioner tells parliament Mbalula had no legal power to suspend him

Former Acting Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane said that his suspension by the then police Minister Fikile Mbalula was not legal.

Phahlane said that his suspension was not based on any law, and he should have never been asked to “step aside” by Mbalula in 2017.

Phahlane was suspended in connection with a “blue lights” tender and allegations of procurement fraud.

The former Acting Commissioner was giving evidence before parliament’s ad hoc committee investigation into police corruption today as it resumes its hearings for the year. 

 "I was not removed by the President of the Republic of South Africa as the Constitution and the Police Act dictate. I was made to step aside by the minister of police, then no law provides for such. That’s why I continue to say that my removal from office cannot be found anywhere in the prescripts."