Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo is next to take the Stand at Madlanga Commission amidst corruption firestorm

Pretoria - In a week of high drama for South African law enforcement, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, the nation's top Crime Intelligence officer, is scheduled to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. His appearance, starting Monday, 29 September 2025, places him at the center of a critical investigation into political interference and corruption—all while he himself battles serious criminal charges of fraud and misuse of secret service funds.

This testimony is poised to be a defining moment for the Commission, which seeks to untangle a web of alleged meddling in the criminal justice system. General Khumalo’s unique position as both a key witness and an accused individual offers an unprecedented look into the internal conflicts plaguing the South African Police Service (SAPS).

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

A Commission Seeking Answers in a Climate of Distrust

Chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the Commission was established to investigate deeply rooted allegations of criminality and political manipulation within KwaZulu-Natal's law enforcement agencies. Previous testimonies have set the stage for a potentially explosive revelation.

KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has already alleged a campaign of political pressure, claiming that both former Minister Bheki Cele and current Minister Senzo Mchunu sought to remove General Khumalo from his post. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola further revealed that a plan to disband Khumalo's key initiative—the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT)—was only halted when a July 2025 briefing exposed "ulterior motives" behind the move.

The Khumalo Paradox: Key Witness and Accused Official

General Khumalo’s credibility is set to be scrutinized under a dual spotlight. As the head of Crime Intelligence and convener of the PKTT, he is expected to provide crucial insight into the handling of sensitive, politically-charged investigations. However, his testimony will be shadowed by four counts of fraud and corruption.

The charges against him stem from the alleged irregular appointment of Brigadier Dineo Mokwele and the misuse of approximately R2.5 million in intelligence funds. Despite these serious allegations, Khumalo has not been suspended, allowing him to remain in his powerful position. Supporters like Commissioner Mkhwanazi label the charges as a "trumped-up" smear campaign designed to discredit him, while prosecutors are moving forward with their case after a failed bid to have it dismissed.

The Stakes: The Fate of the KZN Political Killings Task Team

At the heart of the inquiry is the PKTT, a specialized unit formed in 2018 under Khumalo's leadership to investigate politically motivated murders in KZN. The team has handled over 300 cases, achieving several convictions in a province notorious for its violent political and taxi-related conflicts.

The Commission has heard that the disbandment of this team was deemed "counter-productive" by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), citing significant investigative delays. Khumalo’s testimony is expected to detail the operational challenges and alleged political pressures that have hampered the PKTT's work, potentially confirming long-held suspicions of intentional sabotage within the justice system.

READ: Madlanga Commission Day 7 recap: Harrison Defends Task Team, Next Witness Revealed

What to Expect from the Testimony

Analysts anticipate that parts of General Khumalo’s evidence may be held in camera to protect classified intelligence methods and sources. However, the public segments could address:

• The specific allegations of political interference in PKTT investigations.
• His response to the fraud and corruption charges he faces.
• The internal SAPS dynamics that allowed such a significant power struggle to unfold.

This testimony is more than just another hearing; it is a litmus test for the integrity of South Africa's law enforcement institutions. The outcome will significantly influence public trust and could dictate the future of how high-stakes, politically sensitive crimes are investigated.