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Crime Intelligence charges withdrawn as NDPP cites ongoing investigation
Fraud and corruption charges against Crime Intelligence chief Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo and several senior officers have been provisionally withdrawn, marking a significant development in a case that has been under scrutiny since last year.
The decision follows a directive by National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Andy Mothibi after representations were made on behalf of the accused.
As reported by EWN, the case centred on allegations that Khumalo and other senior Crime Intelligence officials had colluded in appointing an allegedly unqualified candidate to a senior post within the division.
The South African Police Service officers were arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) in June 2025.
The prosecution’s position shifted following testimony presented at the Madlanga Commission, where evidence emerged indicating that Brigadier Dineo Mokwele met the qualifications required for the role.
Former IDAC head Andrea Johnson also conceded during proceedings that Mokwele was, in fact, suitably qualified for the appointment, undermining a key aspect of the State’s case.
Further details from by the eNCA revealed that Mothibi’s decision was informed by representations from the accused as well as an internal memorandum from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption.
He stressed that the investigation has not yet been finalised and directed that the matter may not be re-enrolled without his express written approval.
The charges stemmed from the appointment of Brigadier Mokwele to a senior Crime Intelligence position, with prosecutors initially alleging fraud and corruption in the recruitment process. However, evidence heard in recent weeks has raised questions about the foundation of those allegations.
A previous witness also acknowledged that Mokwele had effectively been charged over what was described as a “future crime”, adding another layer to the legal scrutiny surrounding the investigation.
While the provisional withdrawal of charges does not amount to an acquittal, it means the prosecution has, for now, stepped back as investigators continue examining the matter. Should new evidence emerge, the case could only return to court with the written authorisation of the NDPP.
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