‘The Country Was Gone’: Sifolo Says NICOC Intervention Prevented Further Criminal Infiltration

South Africa could have been left severely compromised by alleged criminal infiltration within its law enforcement and intelligence structures had the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC) not stepped in, according to its acting head, Dr Ntandazo Sifolo.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Thursday, Sifolo described the situation as so serious that he believed the country was at risk of being effectively taken over by criminal networks. His remarks came as he explained why NICOC assumed responsibility for coordinating the Crime Intelligence operation in February 2025.

Sifolo Warns Country Was At Risk Without NICOC Intervention

Responding to a question from co-commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo about what might have happened without the intervention, Sifolo delivered a stark assessment.

“The country was gone, and in fact the head of the crime intelligence had surrendered,” he said.

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Sifolo explained that a deadline had been set for the submission of a project that allegedly outlined several layers of infiltration. He said the information presented a serious warning about the possible consequences of failing to act.

“… So there was a clear picture that if we don't do anything now, the country is gone,” he told the commission.

NICOC Coordinated Intelligence Operations Amid Infiltration Concerns

Sifolo said NICOC's intervention followed growing concerns about divisions within intelligence structures and the alleged influence of criminal syndicates in law enforcement. The committee moved to coordinate operations involving the South African Police Service's Crime Intelligence, Defence Intelligence and the State Security Agency (SSA).

The concerns included fragmented intelligence reporting and threats linked to kidnappings, targeted killings, drug trafficking, extortion and illegal firearms operations. Sifolo also cited the leaking of classified reports from the Inspector-General of Intelligence and the arrests of senior police officials by fellow officers as signs of serious problems within the criminal justice system.

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He said officers who remained committed to upholding the law were increasingly left with limited options, creating a need to mobilise public support to expose the alleged infiltration.

Sifolo Links Intelligence Crisis To Mkhwanazi's July Briefing

Sifolo also connected the concerns raised by NICOC to KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's public briefing on 6 July. The briefing brought allegations of criminal networks operating within the criminal justice system into the national spotlight.

The acting NICOC head further told the commission that President Cyril Ramaphosa had been informed of potential national security threats six days before Mkhwanazi made his public statements.

Sifolo's testimony forms part of the commission's examination of allegations involving criminal influence within South Africa's law enforcement and intelligence structures.