SAPS Crime Intelligence head, Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo, returns to the stand at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday — armed with explosive WhatsApp messages that he claims will expose deep-rooted criminal infiltration across the police, politics, and business.
Khumalo’s testimony on Monday has sent shockwaves through the commission and the broader security sector, as he paints a picture of widespread corruption, cartel protection, and intelligence sabotage from within.
His appearance follows his dramatic arrest in June at OR Tambo International Airport, alongside six high-ranking police officials.
At the time, Khumalo described the charges against him as a “strategic takedown” — an attempt to derail a deepening investigation by Crime Intelligence into cartel operations in Gauteng.
Now, with his return to the witness stand, Khumalo is naming names and connecting dots — albeit cautiously.
Khumalo alleged that businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala — previously arrested on various criminal charges — was a key figure in the Big 5 cartel, which is allegedly responsible for a range of serious crimes including drug trafficking, tender fraud, contract killings, kidnappings and cross-border vehicle hijackings.
He further claims that Matlala and a man identified as Katiso Molefe were operating hand-in-glove with corrupt police officials to neutralise investigations against them.
According to Khumalo, Matlala went as far as paying senior businessman Brown Mogotsi to leak classified information — compromising ongoing intelligence operations.
Despite the gravity of his allegations, Khumalo told the Commission he could not yet reveal certain individuals’ identities due to the sensitivity of ongoing investigations.
In a particularly explosive revelation, Khumalo claimed that Matlala helped bankroll ANC delegates aligned with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
He alleged that the funding was used to sway influence at internal ANC events and bolster political protection for criminal networks.
Tuesday’s session at the Madlanga Commission is expected to continue with further evidence, including digital communications Khumalo claims will expose even more about the criminal infiltration into South Africa’s most powerful institutions.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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