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Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride has rejected claims made by Cedrick Nkabinde concerning Nkabinde’s exit from the agency in 2018. McBride addressed Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system, describing Nkabinde’s testimony as inaccurate.
Dispute Over Suspension
Nkabinde previously stated that he was suspended shortly after submitting a whistleblower report and claimed McBride pressured him into a settlement that led to his resignation. McBride disagreed, clarifying that he did not suspend Nkabinde.
He explained that Nkabinde’s suspension was issued by his KwaZulu-Natal supervisor and was unrelated to him. McBride presented a suspension letter dated June 4, 2018, signed by former KwaZulu-Natal Ipid head Parbathie Maharaj, to support his statement.
Settlement Agreement Controversy
Nkabinde also alleged that McBride forced him into a settlement agreement. McBride denied this, asserting that Nkabinde requested an exit agreement. He further presented a supporting letter from Nkabinde’s lawyer, reinforcing that the claim of pressure was unfounded.
Phahlane Investigation and Task Team Removal
The committee also examined investigations into former acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Khomotso Phahlane, in which Nkabinde participated as a task team member. McBride stated that Ipid removed Nkabinde from the task team after he failed to report sabotage attempts targeting the investigation.
Following Nkabinde’s removal, complaints emerged against him, which McBride argued were unrelated to Phahlane. He dismissed suggestions that the agency targeted the former commissioner unfairly.
McBride’s Assessment of Nkabinde
McBride characterized Nkabinde as motivated by money and public recognition, noting that his preference for a flashy lifestyle raised concerns among Ipid staff. He emphasized that Nkabinde’s behavior was a source of internal tension within the agency.
