Celani Sikhakhane
The official accused of leaking pictures of Jacob Zuma being booked into Estcourt prison is allegedly Thulani Mdluli, Correctional Services’ regional spokesperson.
Several well placed sources in Correctional Services say Mdluli was suspended on 8 July, although some officials are still denying it.
Regional Commissioner, Mnikelwa Nxele, said “I can’t comment about this matter because I’m not at work but I’ve heard about Mdluli’s suspension. Kindly contact Acting Regional Commissioner Kenneth Mthombeni who will assist with official details.”
Another official, who asked not to be named, said: “His suspension has been kept as a secret because the management was avoiding chaos around this decision”.
When asked about the suspension, national spokesperson for Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo responded with a statement made on 8 July about the incident, which did not name any official. He followed up with a text saying: “At no point was Mr Mdluli ever accused of leaking images.”
Mthombeni said the alleged culprit had not been named to protect him. “The person you are talking about has a family and rights,” he said.
“You are choosing to personalise the Zuma leaked pictures by linking them to the officer by divulging his name. You want to parade him. I don’t know why you’re doing this,” Mthombeni said.
Mdluli did not respond to calls for comment.
