McBride disciplinary inquiry on hold

The disciplinary inquiry into Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride was postponed yesterday after his lawyers applied for a stay of the proceedings. This means it is unlikely the dispute between McBride and the Police Ministry will be finalised before the end of July, at the earliest, says a BDlive report. McBride was suspended by Police Minister Nathi Nhleko, who said the suspended Ipid boss had allegedly covered up former Hawks head Anwa Dramat’s role in the unlawful rendition of six Zimbabweans. McBride wants to put the disciplinary inquiry on hold until his court case – in which he is challenging the power of the Minister to suspend him – is finished. Counsel for the Police Minister William Mokhari SC said the parties had agreed the disciplinary hearing could not proceed. And they agreed the application to stay the disciplinary process would be heard early in July.