Inside the Crime Intelligence Scandal: SAPS Officials Linked to Durban Property Deals

Shock as SAPS officers tied to suspicious R38 million property deal in Durban

South Africa’s embattled Crime Intelligence unit is once again under scrutiny as evidence emerges of police officials being directly linked to the purchase of two high-value properties in Durban, raising fresh concerns about corruption, secrecy, and abuse of public funds within the SAPS.

The properties are being procured via a company called Matla Storage (Pty) Ltd, which was only established in 2024. What makes the deal more alarming is that two of the company’s directors are active-duty police officers, Captain Madumetja Mabusela and Nomzamo Nqwelo, both stationed in Pretoria.

A paper trail leading back to SAPS insiders

A deposit of R2 million was paid in January 2025 toward one of the Durban properties, reportedly valued at R22.8 million. The transaction was signed off by several SAPS finance officials, including Colonel S. Mayekiso and Major General Lushaba. A total of R38 million is being spent—plus a questionable R10 million for transfer fees, which experts say is grossly inflated.

Renowned fraud investigator Paul O’Sullivan has since forwarded these revelations to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and the Office of the Inspector-General for Intelligence (OIGI). “It’s a textbook case of conflict of interest,” O’Sullivan said.

“The properties are still fully tenanted. It’s unclear how or when SAPS plans to use them, or who will benefit from the rental income in the meantime.”

Context: More fallout from the ‘secret slush fund’

The developments follow the arrest of Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, who was nabbed at OR Tambo International Airport last week. Authorities say Khumalo and several senior SAPS officials are suspected of siphoning millions from the secret service account, often referred to as a “slush fund” worth over R600 million annually.

That same account, intended for paying informants and supporting covert ops, was reportedly used to purchase two other properties, including a boutique hotel in Pretoria North, without ministerial approval.

The deals have also allegedly benefited SAPS National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who is now facing possible arrest, according to City Press.

“Secrecy used as a smokescreen” O’Sullivan and analysts speak out

O’Sullivan warned that hiding behind intelligence secrecy to bypass procurement laws is both dangerous and illegal.

“They claim the PFMA will be followed, then justify why the purchase should be made in secret and without competitive pricing. It’s absurd,” he said.

Security experts say this isn’t just poor governance, it’s a direct threat to national security. Gareth Newham of the Institute for Security Studies called for urgent reform:

“If corruption thrives at the top, you can be sure it infects the entire division. Crime Intelligence should be decentralised immediately, with its capacity reassigned to credible, clean structures like the Hawks and SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit.”

Political pressure mounts as DA calls for more arrests

The Democratic Alliance has echoed calls for action, demanding that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu ensure arrests lead to real prosecutions and prison time.

“We expect more arrests of high-ranking SAPS officials. Enough is enough,” said the party in a statement.

What happens next?

Both the IDAC and OIGI have confirmed they’re investigating the matter, but declined to provide detailed commentary at this stage. Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe refused to discuss Crime Intelligence-related queries, citing operational secrecy.

Meanwhile, none of the implicated officials, including Masemola, Mabusela or Nqwelo—have responded to media requests.

As trust in the SAPS continues to erode, this scandal marks a critical test of the government’s will to clean house—or cover it up. With R600 million in secret spending and multiple arrests already made, the public is watching for signs of real accountability.

A culture of impunity or the start of a cleanup?

While recent arrests suggest that law enforcement is finally confronting its own corruption, many South Africans remain sceptical. Until there is transparency, reform, and convictions, the perception will remain that Crime Intelligence is more about protecting insiders than the public.

This case could be a turning point or just another chapter in South Africa’s long-running crisis of accountability in policing.

{Source: IOL}

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