Popcru lost appeal and its defamation case will now cost it R350 000

Former acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane, whose career was derailed by corruption allegations, is mounting a dramatic comeback, emboldened by a recent court victory and sensational claims of a political plot to block his promotion.

- By Setumo Stone

Once the most senior officer in the SAPS, he has launched an aggressive legal offensive following a scathing appellate court judgment that dismissed an appeal by the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) against him in a defamation dispute, which will cost the union R350000 plus interest.

His attorneys have dispatched a fiery letter, seen by Sunday World, demanding immediate payment and a public apology from a police union and its officials for what he claims were defamatory statements that poisoned his career prospects.