The high-profile fraud and corruption case against South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo and six of his co-accused has been postponed to 8 September 2025 for further disclosure of particulars, consultations, and the setting of a date for transfer to the regional court.
Khumalo, who serves as the Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, appeared alongside senior SAPS officials Major General Philani Lushaba, Major General Nosipho Precious Madondo, Major General Josias Lekalaka, Major General Zwelithini Gabela, Brigadier Phindile Ncube, and Brigadier Dineo Mokwele in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The charges stem from the controversial appointment of Mokwele — allegedly an unqualified civilian at the time — into the senior rank of Brigadier within the Technical Support Services (TSS) division of Crime Intelligence. Prosecutors allege the accused conspired to bypass SAPS’ stringent vetting process, which is particularly critical for posts dealing with sensitive and classified intelligence.
Khumalo, Madondo, Lekalakala, Gabela, Ncube, and Mokwele are all out on R10 000 bail, while Lushaba was granted bail of R20 000. As part of their bail conditions, they are prohibited from entering any Crime Intelligence premises and from having contact with state witnesses. Four of the accused — Khumalo, Madondo, Lekalakala, and Mokwele — have filed an application to amend their bail conditions, which will be heard on 22 August 2025.
The state has accused the group of abusing their positions to manipulate internal recruitment processes in favour of Mokwele, ignoring mandatory security clearance protocols designed to prevent infiltration and corruption in SAPS’ most sensitive division.
The case comes just weeks after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi publicly revealed in July that several serving police officers and prosecutors were themselves implicated in serious crimes, including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. Mkhwanazi’s comments drew national attention to systemic corruption within law enforcement and renewed calls for a comprehensive clean-up of the SAPS.
At the same time, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu faces his own political and legal storm following allegations of interference in high-level investigations and abuse of ministerial powers. While Mchunu has denied wrongdoing, his suspension has intensified scrutiny on the leadership and governance of the country’s policing structures.
Corruption within Crime Intelligence — the unit tasked with gathering critical information to prevent and solve serious crimes — poses a significant threat to public safety and the rule of law. Analysts warn that compromised intelligence structures undermine operations, embolden criminal syndicates, and weaken South Africa’s already fragile justice system.
“This case strikes at the very heart of national security,” said one security analyst who asked not to be named. “If the people entrusted to protect the country’s most sensitive secrets can manipulate recruitment for personal gain, then the system is dangerously vulnerable.”
With the matter now heading to the regional court, the prosecution is expected to set out in greater detail how the alleged conspiracy unfolded, who authorised each step, and whether more senior officials could be implicated.
“They are further accused of flouting the vetting process, which is critical in the appointment of senior officials within the SAPS — particularly the Crime Intelligence division, which deals with sensitive and confidential information,” IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame told journalists on Wednesday.
For now, Khumalo and his co-accused remain free on bail, but under the shadow of one of the most serious corruption scandals to hit SAPS Crime Intelligence in recent years.
