The General Sindile Christopher “Pitso” Mfazi Foundation for Justice and Accountability has challenged former Crime Intelligence head Mulangi Mphego (middle) to forward information regarding the missing Phala Phala documents to the law enforcement agencies.
Image: Jennifer Bruce
The family of the late Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi has called the former head of Crime Intelligence Division Mulangi Mphego to hand over all information he has about the missing Phala Phala documents.
The General Sindile Christopher “Pitso” Mfazi Foundation for Justice and Accountability said Mphego, and anyone with relevant information, should step forward and disclose what they know directly to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
This comes after Mphego last week denied his involvement in the disappearance of the Phala Phala documents from Mfazi’s home in Pretoria following his death in 2021.
A statement released by Mphego last week pointed investigators toward Mfazi’s immediate family, alleging that his wife instructed three people to pack up his house in Pretoria and transport everything to her in East London.
Mphego was responding to allegations that he entered Mfazi’s home shortly after his death and removed files that were allegedly linked to the Phala Phala investigation to the misuse of SAPS Crime Intelligence funds.
Mfazi, police deputy national commissioner, was the top police investigator probing the 2020 burglary and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s concealment of crime at Phala Phala farm before he died in 2021.
His death was attributed to Covid-19, but toxicology and exhumation reports later confirmed that he was poisoned.
The foundation said Mphego’s remarks regarding the family were highly concerning.
“The Foundation condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the reckless and malicious characterisation of Mrs Mfazi as an ‘estranged wife’. This label is not merely painful but very disrespectful.
At a time when the Mfazi family is grappling with the brutal and devastating loss of their patriarch, such inflammatory words constitute a deplorable affront to the sacred memory of the late general and a cruel, deliberate assault on the dignity and emotional well-being of his grieving widow,” read the statement.
The foundation added that the search and the extraction of the investigative records occurred prior to Malindi’s (Mfazi’s wife) arrival on the property. The foundation added that she was intentionally and inexcusably prevented from accessing her own home upon returning, despite being the surviving spouse and lawful occupant.
“Furthermore, the Foundation deems it imperative to set the record straight regarding the events of that tragic evening of Thursday, 8 July 2021. The alleged search of the Mfazi Pretoria home and the alleged removal of sensitive investigative files had already taken place, long before Mrs Mfazi ever set foot on the premises.
To compound this violation, upon her arrival, a deliberate and inexcusable attempt was made to prevent her, the wife of the deceased and the rightful occupant, from entering her own home. These are not mere details to be glossed over; they constitute a calculated and brazen disregard for both the rule of law and the fundamental dignity of the Mfazi family.”
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said investigation into circumstance surrounding Mfazi’s death is at an advanced and sensitive stage, adding that the SAPS is not in a position to divulge operational or investigative details, including matters relating to evidence, exhibits, investigative material, chain of custody, or any allegations that form part of the ongoing investigation.
“It would be inappropriate to comment on issues that are currently under investigation, as doing so may compromise the integrity of the investigation. Any information that can be released without prejudicing the investigation will be communicated at the appropriate time,” she said.
Meanwhile, the foundation said its sole focus is achieving justice for Mfazi, adding that he was a loving father, devoted husband, and true servant to this country, brutally murdered simply for doing his job.
“His absence has left a void that no words, no comfort, and no passage of time can ever fill. His grieving children, Gugulethu and Lutho, are owed nothing less than the unvarnished truth, the genuine closure they so desperately deserve, and absolute accountability for those who tore their family apart.”