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Police supplier Keith Keating has been interviewed at the offices of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in a case linked to corruption charges against the former acting national police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane.
"I can confirm that Mr Keating was at our office to be questioned as a suspect as part of our ongoing investigation," IPID spokesperson Moses Dlamini told News24 on Friday.
Keating also confirmed the interview, which apparently ran for more than three hours.
"I can confirm that IPID interviewed me on various matters. We are co-operating fully with the investigation and we are happy that after six months of IPID running its investigation via the media, they have finally decided to sit down with us and get our side of the story," he said.
Keating said he felt the investigation was being driven by people with ulterior motives.
"It is a real pity that the manner in which this entire investigation has been conducted was driven by individuals with ulterior motives, as can be seen by the news reports of the last 24 hours," he said.
Others also questioned
News24 understands that Phahlane's sister, and an as yet unnamed police officer, were also brought in for interviews this week.
It is believed the three could be added to the case against Phahlane, who has been charged with fraud, money laundering and corruption.
News24 has previously reported that IPID has included Keating and his company, Forensic Data Analysts (FDA) to its investigation into Phahlane.
Phahlane and his co-accused, are expected back in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Pretoria on June 7.
Properties raided
In December 2017, a joint operation between the Hawks and IPID saw seven properties connected to Keating and Phahlane raided.
It was revealed last year that Keating's company, FDA, had allegedly received R5 billion in SAPS contracts since 2010.
IPID believes Keating had paid for vehicles for Phahlane, his wife and sister, facilitated by car dealer Durand Snyman.
The vehicles were allegedly purchased under a fake name, John Doe, and Keating allegedly paid for them by putting money into Snyman's account.
Keating had a contract for the supply and maintenance of Rofin (forensic) lights for the police – allegedly said to be worth R1bn.
The properties searched included Phahlane's home in Sable Hills and Keating's FDA offices and home.
Phahlane and Keating previously denied the allegations against them.
