Crime Intelligence in the dock: Corruption-accused Dumisani Khumalo and cop colleagues apply for bail

Daily Maverick

7 hours ago

South Africa's Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo and several other colleagues have appeared where they are meant to be putting suspects — in a courtroom dock. They face corruption and fraud charges.
Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo and six colleagues have appeared in the magistrate's court in Pretoria where they applied for bail.
The police officers made their first appearance in the court on Friday, 27 June 2025.
It is believed the charges the group of police officers face relate to allegedly unlawful senior appointments.
Other investigations and witness safety
Those reportedly in the dock with Khumalo and Lushaba, Gauteng Crime Intelligence head Josias Lekalakala were Gauteng Crime Intelligence analysis centre head Nozipho Madondo, police vetting office officials Sydney Gabela and Phindile Ncube, and technical support system manager Dineo Mokwele.
Mokwele's appointment is believed to form part of the case against the group.
Wearing a light greyish lavender beanie, she appeared sad and nervous as she sat in the dock.
During Friday's proceedings, aired live on various media platforms, it was heard that the State would not oppose the officers' release on bail.
Reasons for that included that all their addresses and employment had been confirmed and they were not viewed as flight risks.
Investigations in the matter had also been finalised, however other investigations involving some of those in the dock are ongoing.
Issues were discussed including the safety of witnesses in the case, given how high profile some of the accused were and the intelligence environment they worked in.
'Not guilty' and income questions
During the proceedings Khumalo was sombre, cracking a slight smile when the magistrate made a funny reference relating to handing in a document.
A legal representative said Khumalo planned to plead not guilty, denied the allegations against him and would disclose his defence at the trial.
While standing, Khumalo confidently confirmed what had been read out.
It was heard he proposed his release on bail of R1,000, but the magistrate wanted to know what his net salary was, the type of car he drove, and how much his house was worth.
The magistrate said bail was not what one had in their pocket, but more about what they earned.
It was heard Khumalo's net salary was R74,000.
[LIVE NOW 🔴] Police Crime Intelligence head, Dumisani Khumalo, is appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court following his arrest at OR Tambo international Airport. Khumalo is one of seven senior police members in court, in connection with corruption. Tune in to #eNCA #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/pJ8m27glQD
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 27, 2025
Lawyers for the other accused also read out basic statements on their behalf, including that they would not destroy evidence.
Mokwekwe's legal representative said she had been arrested on charges of fraud, corruption and misrepresentation, and (like her colleagues in the dock) could afford R1,000 bail.
It emerged that the previous day, Thursday, 26 June 2025, that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) had arrested Khumalo and his several colleagues.
The arrests mark a serious crackdown on Crime Intelligence, the South African Police Service (SAPS) division meant to be contributing to preventing and combating lawbreaking.
'Eradicating rogue cops'
While Friday's court appearance marked the first time Khumalo had been in the dock, it was not the first time that Lushaba had been in that position.
About two weeks ago he handed himself over to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption over charges relating to a cover-up. (During Friday's court proceedings it was heard he had a pending case of corruption against him.)
On Thursday, hours after it had emerged that Khumalo and colleagues had been detained, Parliament's police committee chairperson Ian Cameron released a statement.
He said: 'The arrests should be welcomed in the context of completely eradicating rogue and criminal police officers within the service.
'The SAPS is meant to protect the people against crime. It is unacceptable to have officers called to service undermine this duty for their selfish and corrupt activities.'
Repeated corruption accusations
Daily Maverick has reported extensively on other controversies relating to Crime Intelligence.
The arena has been rocked by persistent accusations of criminality and infighting.
Khumalo became the head of Crime Intelligence in December 2022.
At the time, the SAPS issued a statement saying he had 'joined the service in 1991 as a student constable' and had 'vast experience'.
When National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola announced Khumalo's appointment, he said there was a perception that 'the whole of Crime Intelligence is corrupt'.
But Masemola had said this was inaccurate because there were decent officers in the unit.
He had added that Khumalo, in his role as Crime Intelligence boss, would be supported, and that he was 'looking forward for (Khumalo) to rejuvenate that environment'.
Khumalo and five of his colleagues were granted R10,000 bail each.
The remaining accused, Crime Intelligence's chief financial officer Philani Lushaba, who has another pending case, was not granted bail on a technicality.
The case was postponed to 13 August. DM