Former Crime Intelligence official reveals R45m funding scandal for ANC conference
Former Crime Intelligence head Tiyani Lincoln Hlungwani reveals shocking details about a R45 million funding scandal intended to support a faction of the ANC during the 2017 Nasrec conference.
Image: Zwelethemba Kostile/ParliamentofRSA
FORMER head of Crime Intelligence’s Secret Services Account, Tiyani Lincoln Hlungwani, has revealed to the Ad Hoc Committee that a portion of the R45 million allocated for a 'grabber' machine was intended to finance a faction of the African National Congress (ANC) during its elective national conference in 2017.
Hlungwani asserted that the transaction he refused to authorise was not solely for the purchase of the grabber machine but was also meant to support the ANC conference.
“Intelligence operatives even have a document which points to this matter. It was going to be used to fund this conference,” says Hlungwani
During his testimony, Hlungwani recounted how he was removed from his position while reviewing finances related to what he termed the “Slush Fund.”
“I could not have the time to have the proof. When I was busy conducting a review of those monies, I was removed,” says Hlungwani
Hlungwani maintained that he had been performing well at the Crime Intelligence Services before the ANC's 2017 national elective conference. However, he became a target after he refused to authorise the transaction for the grabber machine.
“There were no issues. I was working fine. The attacks started immediately after there, attack after attack,” he added
He also confirmed that he had been arrested on what he described as a frivolous criminal complaint made by the then Chief Financial Officer of the Secret Services Account.
“This preceded the events of the Nasrec conference,” he said
In his earlier testimony, Hlungwani revealed that one of the police generals had testified in a disciplinary matter, questioning why the finance person had not been dealt with, despite Counter-Intelligence ruling him out.
“It was only after the Nasrec conference that I was considered a suspect,” he said
Hlungwani explained that his removal was largely due to protected disclosures he made, which resulted in the arrest of individuals involved in the scandal.
“This is as a result of protected disclosures I made, which resulted in the arrest of people, but primarily, my removal had more to do with the ANC conference,” he added
He further disclosed that he had been pressured to release funds for one of the ANC factions at the conference.
“The monies were apparently to be used to buy a grabber machine, but it was much lower than the monies that were requested. I refused to accede to that request. After the conference, my life changed. I was subjected to occupational detriment,” he said.
Hlungwani claimed that former police commissioner Khehla Sitole had promised “politicians” that he would use some of the funds to support the conference for one of the ANC factions.
“This is something that is under investigation,” he added.
He also mentioned that Sitole had refused to release classified documents when challenged by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
“He said the minister at the time, Fikile Mbalula, was the one basically who requested him to buy this thing because there was a security risk,” Hlungwani said.
“I refused, but I gave the generals reasons why it can't be done.”
He sought advice from Crime Intelligence's legal advisor, who advised against his involvement. Despite the pressure, he stood firm, noting that Sitole insisted the transaction should proceed.
“even iff it meant we speak to Malusi Gigaba, the finance minister.”
“The transaction was eventually stopped by the Inspector-General of Intelligence. We reported there is this thing that is going on,” he said.
“They were the most reliable people at the time.”