Dumisani Khumalo Testifies at Madlanga Commission Amidst Fraud and Corruption Allegations
Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, the head of SAPS Crime Intelligence, appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on September 29, 2025. His testimony addresses allegations of political interference, corruption within the criminal justice system, and his role in the now-disbanded KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Allegations and Arrest
Khumalo's appearance at the commission is particularly noteworthy given his recent arrest on charges of fraud and corruption. He faces allegations related to the irregular appointment of an unqualified official, Brigadier Dineo Mokwele, to a senior role within Crime Intelligence and the misuse of intelligence funds. These charges, which he denies, have cast a shadow over his credibility and leadership within the SAPS.
The "Big Five" Criminal Syndicate
During his testimony, Khumalo provided insights into a sophisticated organized criminal syndicate known as the "Big Five," allegedly based in Gauteng. This cartel is reportedly involved in various illicit activities, including drug trafficking, hijackings, tender fraud, and contract killings. According to Khumalo, Katiso “KT” Molefe and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala are lower-level figures in the network, suggesting the involvement of more dangerous individuals.
"The Big Five has already penetrated the political sphere. There are documented cases of high-profile connections in politics, with senior politicians alleged to be complicit or willfully blind to the syndicate’s operations."
Political Killings Task Team and Sensitive Information
A significant portion of Khumalo's testimony focused on the KZN Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which he previously led. He highlighted the team's success in investigating politically motivated contract killings, often linked to fraud and corruption. He emphasized that the first step in an investigation is to determine the motive, followed by identifying a suspect.
Khumalo also indicated that he would seek to present some evidence in camera due to its sensitive nature. He expressed concerns that sharing certain information publicly could compromise ongoing investigations, expose methodologies, and endanger informants. This request underscores the delicate balance between transparency and the need to protect critical intelligence operations.
Commission's Broader Investigation
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating broader allegations of political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system. Previous witnesses, including KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, have testified about challenges facing the SAPS and potential abuses of power.
Key Points of Khumalo's Testimony:
- Revealing details of the "Big Five" criminal syndicate operating in Gauteng.
- Discussing the methods and successes of the KZN Political Killings Task Team.
- Addressing allegations of fraud and corruption against him.
- Seeking to present sensitive evidence in camera to protect ongoing investigations.
- Responding to claims of political interference within SAPS.
The Road Ahead
Dumisani Khumalo's testimony is expected to continue over several days. It will provide crucial insights into the inner workings of Crime Intelligence and the challenges facing law enforcement in South Africa. As the commission progresses, the nation awaits further revelations about the extent of corruption and political interference within the system.
| Key Figure | Role | Allegations/Testimony |
|---|---|---|
| Dumisani Khumalo | Head of Crime Intelligence | Faces fraud and corruption charges; testifies about the "Big Five" and PKTT. |
| Mbuyiseli Madlanga | Chair of the Madlanga Commission | Oversees the investigation into corruption and political interference. |
| Fannie Masemola | National Police Commissioner | Testified about Khumalo's request to assist the counterintelligence team in Gauteng. |
| Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi | KZN Police Commissioner | Accused Police Minister of disbanding the Political Killings Task Team for political reasons. |
The outcome of the commission and the legal proceedings against Khumalo will have significant implications for the future of law enforcement and the fight against organized crime in South Africa.
