Top Spy Dumisani Khumalo and Senior Cops Back in Court Amid Corruption Battle

Khumalo and Senior Crime Intelligence Officers Back in Court

Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, South Africa’s top police intelligence official, returned to Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday alongside six senior colleagues, all facing charges of fraud and corruption. The high-profile case has shone a spotlight on the allegations of deep-seated corruption and factionalism within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The co-accused include:

• Philani Lushaba, Crime Intelligence CFO

• Brigadier Dineo Mokwele, technical support manager

• Major-General Josias Lekalakala, Gauteng Crime Intelligence head

• Major-General Nosipho Precious Madondo, analysis centre chief

• Major-General Zwelithini Gabela, technology services head

• Brigadier Phindile Ncube, head of vetting

All were arrested in June 2025 as part of an extensive probe into the alleged irregular appointment of Mokwele , a civilian to a senior Crime Intelligence post at brigadier level. Arrests were executed by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

Bail Restrictions at the Center of Legal Battle

The accused were granted bail between R10,000 and R20,000, but the stringent conditions have become a flashpoint. They are barred from entering any Crime Intelligence premises nationwide, among other restrictions.

Khumalo and his legal team argue that the restrictions cripple the functioning of Crime Intelligence and effectively suspend him without due process. They contend the terms are “unreasonable and unconstitutional”, preventing Khumalo from fulfilling his duties as national head.

Tensions Flare in Courtroom

Last month’s bail-variation hearing escalated when Advocate Malesela Teffo, known for his role in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, intervened as amicus curiae a “friend of the court.” Teffo warned the court that Khumalo and his colleagues were “very dangerous”, arguing that relaxing bail conditions posed a state security risk.

Teffo told the magistrate:

“I want to bring an application to be a friend of court. The reason is that the accused are very dangerous people… When I was in jail, they were monitoring my communications.”

Khumalo’s counsel, Advocate Zandile Mshololo, immediately interjected, accusing Teffo of flouting proper court procedures, highlighting the courtroom drama that has surrounded the case since it began.

A Case with National Security Implications

Observers say the case raises serious questions about integrity and accountability in Crime Intelligence, a critical branch tasked with safeguarding the state. The clash between bail conditions, operational responsibilities, and public perception has rekindled debate about how corruption allegations intersect with national security.

Social media reactions have been split. Some commentators argue that the strict bail conditions are necessary to protect state secrets, while others see them as overreach, unfairly hampering the work of Crime Intelligence.

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court is expected to rule on the bail challenge in coming weeks, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for Crime Intelligence operations and public confidence in SAPS. Meanwhile, the case continues to fuel broader discussions on police accountability, corruption, and the tension between transparency and security.

{Source: IOL}

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