Key figure in South Africa police corruption scandal pleads guilty

But in a blistering attack, the Democratic Alliance (DA), the junior partner in South Africa's governing coalition, called the arrangement a "sweetheart deal" and "a betrayal of accountability" that may not result in a successful prosecution.DA justice spokesperson Glynnis Breytenbach said it was evidence of a two-tier justice system, as "one of the country's most prominent corruption accused is allowed to negotiate what amounts to a discounted sentence".The magistrate at the Pretoria court is expected to give his ruling on the plea deal next week.Matlala, who is also facing a separate murder charge that he denies, has been named by a witness at the corruption inquiry known as the Madlanga Commission as being part of a drug-trafficking cartel that has managed to penetrate the police.He has not commented on this accusation but, giving evidence at a parallel parliamentary corruption inquiry last year, denied knowing senior police officers and politicians personally.Matlala has yet to appear at the Madlanga Commission.Witnesses at that inquiry, which began last September, have alleged collusion between criminal underworld figures and senior police officials.It was set up after senior police officer Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged last July that organised crime groups had infiltrated the government.