THE controversy around police crime intelligence chief Richard Mdluli calls for a proper scrutiny into his appointment.

Even more so given reports that he is being eyed for the position of national police commissioner.

Most importantly, the public needs answers as to what draws politicians like President Jacob Zuma and Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa to Mdluli - given his chequered background.

Last year, the now suspended national police commissioner Bheki Cele suspended Mdluli after he was charged in connection with the 1999 kidnapping and murder of Oupa Ramogibe. He was also charged with defrauding the police and a car dealership of more than R90,000, and of causing a loss of a further R1.28-million.

Both the state and the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court have withdrawn their cases against Mdluli. However, an inquest has been instituted in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court to investigate Mdluli's involvement in the death of his former girlfriend's lover.

So far, the court has heard how the docket relating to the death of Ramogibe has gone missing.

Last year, Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale instituted legal action against Mdluli. This after Mdluli had accused both Sexwale and Cele of plotting against President Zuma. A week ago, the home of Sexwale's lawyer was broken into. The robbers made off with several legal documents.

Recent reports have revealed how Mdluli's family members were paid from the crime intelligence secret fund as agents.

On Monday, commercial crimes prosecutor Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach - who headed the fraud and corruption case against Mdluli - was suspended. The National Prosecuting Authority said her suspension related to her conduct in handling one of the cases allocated to her.

It has now come out she had threatened to go to court if the NPA's decision not to prosecute Mdluli was not reversed.

Mdluli now apparently has his cross hairs on all those he regards as a threat to his career. They include Cele (who suspended Mdluli) and Hawks head Lieutenant-General Anwa Dramat (whose unit has investigated Mdluli).

Of concern is the claim that Mdluli is involving Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa and the Presidency in his campaign.

Mthethwa was recently shown to have benefited from a police slush fund ran by Mdluli's unit.

Last weekend Mdluli was seen at a Botshabelo May Day rally that was addressed by Zuma.