South African cop on murder charge over love triangle

ONE of South Africa’s highest-ranking police officers is facing charges of plotting with other cops to murder a rival in a love triangle, and then covering up the crime for more than a decade.

The case of Richard Mdluli, who denies the charges, is just one in a series of scandals involving the police in South Africa where high rates of murder, rape and other crimes are national crises. Questions about possible criminals within the force are now further undermining morale in the ranks and confidence among the public.

Middle-and upper-class South Africans have long turned to private security companies, some staffed by former police officers. And poor South Africans have resorted to vigilante violence.