"Evidence I Can't Share in Public": Crime Intelligence Boss Khumalo Begins High-Stakes Testimony at Madlanga Commission

Pretoria – Day eight of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry saw Crime Intelligence Head General Dumisani Khumalo deliver explosive testimony on allegations of corruption, political interference, and the infiltration of organized crime within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

Khumalo, who presented a detailed statement spanning thousands of pages, explained that while part of his evidence could be shared in public, crucial sections would remain classified to safeguard ongoing investigations, informants, and national security.

READ: "Joining the Dots": Crime Intelligence Boss Dumisani Khumalo Takes the Hot Seat at Madlanga Commission Day 8 |

Sensitive Evidence Restricted

Khumalo made it clear that not all of his testimony could be disclosed openly:

“Alongside the evidence I have shared in this statement, there is considerably more that cannot be made public. Revealing it would expose our methodologies, compromise ongoing investigations, and put informants and resources at serious risk.”

He specifically highlighted sensitive intelligence surrounding organized crime syndicates in Gauteng, warning that disclosure could tip off suspects, derail operations, and endanger investigators.

Organized Crime and Political Interference

Breaking down his evidence into three parts, Khumalo addressed:

1. His career background and leadership in crime intelligence.
2. The infiltration of organized crime into the justice system – the core issue under investigation.
3. The controversial disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), a move that many believe undermined the fight against politically motivated violence.

Khumalo’s testimony painted Crime Intelligence as a central pillar in combating organized crime, but also revealed how internal threats within SAPS often empowered external criminal networks, weakening law enforcement from within.

Past Allegations and Institutional Challenges

Reflecting on the troubled period between 2011 and 2012, Khumalo acknowledged long-standing allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the intelligence community, including abuse of the notorious slush fund. However, he credited certain SAPS leaders with trying to clean up the system, noting “gains in intelligence” under reformed management styles.

By affirming these improvements, Khumalo sought to restore credibility to an institution that has long battled accusations of inefficiency and corruption.

Protection of Ongoing Investigations

Khumalo stressed that revealing certain intelligence could jeopardize pending court cases and high-profile arrests tied to organized crime networks. Sharing such details publicly, he argued, would not only compromise SAPS strategies but also endanger national security.

The Commission confirmed that parts of Khumalo’s testimony will be heard in camera (behind closed doors) to protect sensitive information while still allowing the inquiry to reach conclusions on corruption, interference, and failures within the system.

READ: Crime Intelligence Head Dumisani Khumalo Arrested in Major Fraud and Corruption Probe

Why It Matters

The Madlanga Commission has already revealed troubling insights into how criminal syndicates exploit weaknesses in the justice system. Khumalo’s testimony underscores the fragile balance between transparency and security, as South Africa struggles to root out corruption without undermining law enforcement’s ability to combat crime.