SAPS Corruption Crisis: Crime Intelligence Boss Dumisani Khumalo Calls For Unprecedented Action

Head of Crime Intelligence Dumisani Khumalo has concluded his testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, offering a stark account of how organised crime has penetrated the upper ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Appearing before the committee, which is probing allegations of widespread corruption within the police, Khumalo painted a troubling picture of a force compromised from within. He described how syndicates have managed to embed themselves deep into SAPS structures, particularly in Gauteng.

Over two days of questioning by MPs and evidence leaders, Khumalo detailed what he called the alarming extent of the problem, warning that conventional approaches may no longer be enough to restore integrity to the service.

Dumisani Khumalo: Gauteng officers allegedly ‘in the pockets’ of syndicates

Khumalo told the committee that a significant number of police officers in Gauteng are “in the pockets” of provincial crime syndicates, underscoring the scale of influence wielded by criminal networks.

He explained that syndicate members often try to protect themselves by creating the impression that they have access to political power. According to Khumalo, these individuals frequently “paint a picture” suggesting they are closely linked to senior politicians, a tactic used to intimidate investigators and discourage scrutiny.

Despite sustained pressure from committee members, Khumalo declined to publicly identify those allegedly involved, stressing that many of the individuals implicated are still the subject of active investigations.

Parliament urged to consider ‘never seen before’ interventions

Khumalo warned that the level of internal compromise has reached a point where standard disciplinary and investigative processes may be inadequate. He urged lawmakers to consider drastic and unprecedented measures to confront the crisis within SAPS.

“Realising the infiltration that we are experiencing now internally – that is at a very high level of top management – that’s what makes us think that the interventions that need to be implemented [must be ones] that have never been seen before,” Khumalo said.

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The Ad Hoc Committee is expected to continue its work on Tuesday, moving into the next phase of witness testimony.

Members will hear from former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride as the inquiry into institutional corruption within SAPS deepens.

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