NPA withdraws charges against Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo and six co-accused

Charges against South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant‑General Dumisani Khumalo and six senior co‑accused were withdrawn at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had been expected to formally drop the prosecutions when the group appeared in court.

Who was charged

The accused who appeared alongside Khumalo were Major Generals Philani Lushaba, Nosipho Precious Madondo, Josias Lekalaka and Zwelithini Gabela, and Brigadiers Phindile Ncube and Dineo Mokwele.

Background of the case

The case began with arrests in June 2025 and centred on allegations of fraud and corruption related to Dineo Mokwele’s appointment as brigadier. The accused denied wrongdoing during the course of the prosecution.

Why prosecutors withdrew the charges

The planned withdrawal followed revelations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that the investigation leading to the prosecutions was incomplete. The commission heard material indicating that the probe was not fully developed, and that the prosecutions were part of a plot to remove the officers from office.

Prosecutorial announcement

Earlier, NPA head Andy Mothibi announced that the charges would be dropped.

Allegations raised during the prosecution

The prosecution’s allegations had included claims that Khumalo manipulated recruitment procedures, bypassed mandatory vetting, failed to secure required top‑secret security clearances, and mismanaged secret intelligence funds linked to the unit and appointments.

Next steps

The appearances at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court concluded with the NPA formally withdrawing the criminal charges against the seven accused.