NPA's Mrwebi off the hook

NPA Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit head, Lawrence Mrwebi, is off the hook for dropping charges against former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli. A Business Day report says the case was struck off the roll when Mrwebi, who was facing charges of defeating the ends of justice, briefly appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court yesterday. This came after the prosecution’s application to have the case postponed was dismissed. No reasons were given for the dropping of the case. Mrwebi was accused of withdrawing corruption charges against Mdluli even though there was a strong case against him. Mdluli was accused of employing friends and family while he was Crime Intelligence boss, and of misusing police funds to buy luxury cars. Mrwebi said he received no explanation as to why the case had been dropped. ‘I cannot feel good (about the outcome). They’ve dragged my name into the mud by saying I’m a criminal,’ he is quoted as saying. Mrwebi is also facing a bid by the General Council of the Bar to have him struck from the roll of advocates.