SAPS Crime Intelligence Boss Alleges Cartel Involvement in Task Team Disbandment
Suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence boss, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, has testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, alleging that an organised crime cartel influenced the disbandment of the political killings task team in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Khumalo's testimony centers around claims of corruption and political interference within the criminal justice system.
Khumalo's Testimony and Allegations
Khumalo, appearing as a witness before the commission in Pretoria, stated that the attempt to disband the Political Killings Task Team stemmed from the influence of a specific organised crime cartel over the Ministry of Police and the SAPS. He suggested that these entities mistakenly believed the task team was investigating their cartel.
He further stated that his arrest earlier this year was potentially part of a coordinated effort to prevent the task team's work in rooting out the alleged syndicate from being finalised. Mkhwanazi, the KZN police chief, had previously hinted at such interference.
Sensitive Information and Ongoing Investigations
During his presentation, Khumalo submitted a 78-page statement to the commission, indicating that some evidence needs to be heard in camera. He explained, "But alongside this evidence set out in this statement, there is also considerably more evidence at my disposal that cannot be shared in a public space. Sharing some of the evidence will expose our methodologies, our informants, and the resources. Also, sharing some of the information will compromise the same ongoing investigation.” This suggests the ongoing nature and sensitivity of the investigations.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is currently probing claims made by Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KZN police chief, concerning corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system. Khumalo, who led a team investigating a well-connected criminal syndicate, is central to these claims. The commission expects to continue hearing testimony this week from witnesses providing details on the intersection of organised crime, political violence, and corruption within law enforcement.
