MP Fadiel Adams lays perjury charges against Mkhwanazi

A CRIMINAL charge of perjury has been laid against embattled Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who retracted serious allegations he made against former police minister Bheki Cele.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN [e-mail]

The criminal charges were laid at Cape Town Central Police station by National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams yesterday.

Adams said after the retraction was made which was done via SMS, Members of Parliament objected to the manner of the withdrawal and demanded that Mkhwanazi return to the committee and formally retract his sworn statement.

Western Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed a case was opened.

“The mentioned case number is a perjury case registered at Cape Town Central SAPS. The identity of those concerned are not released,” said Twigg.

Enquiries to KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda, probing whether they are aware of the perjury case, had not been answered by deadline.

In his affidavit, Adams said of the retracted allegations: “Such statements have the potential to erode public trust in SAPS leadership and create confusion regarding official investigations.