Dumisani Khumalo
By Natalie Naidoo
Major General Dumisani Khumalo, the head of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Crime Intelligence unit, was arrested on Thursday at OR Tambo International Airport by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). The arrest stems from allegations of unlawful senior appointments within the police force, marking a significant development in South Africa’s ongoing battle against corruption.
Details of the Arrest
The arrest took place on Thursday, 26 June 2025, in the busy terminal of OR Tambo International Airport, a key travel hub in Johannesburg. Khumalo was taken into custody by IDAC officials, an action that has sparked immediate attention across the country. During a media briefing in the Western Cape, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed the arrest, revealing he had only recently learned of it. “I also picked it up now from the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, he did inform me that he just learnt that he [Khumalo] has been arrested by the ID. That’s all I can say. What for? I don’t know,” Masemola stated. Khumalo is set to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate Court on Friday, 27 June 2025, where the charges against him will be clarified.
Who is Major General Dumisani Khumalo?
Major General Dumisani Khumalo has been a prominent figure in SAPS since joining as a student constable in 1991. Over his 30-year career, he climbed the ranks, serving in various critical roles. From 2006 to 2018, he was the Component Head for National Operational Coordination, managing police resources in crime hotspots nationwide. Between 2018 and 2022, he worked in KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on intelligence-driven operations, before being appointed head of Crime Intelligence in 2022. His role involves overseeing covert operations, gathering intelligence to combat serious crimes, and ensuring national security—a position that demands trust and integrity.
What is the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption?
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) is a specialised unit within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), established in 2019 to tackle high-profile corruption cases. Its creation followed the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, which exposed widespread graft in South Africa’s public sector. IDAC’s mandate includes investigating and prosecuting senior officials and politically connected individuals involved in corruption, making it a cornerstone of the country’s anti-corruption efforts. An IDAC spokesperson confirmed the arrest, stating, “The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption can confirm the arrest of Major General Dumisani Khumalo in connection with allegations of unlawful senior appointments. Further details will be provided following his court appearance.”
Understanding the Allegations
The allegations against Khumalo centre on “unlawful senior appointments” within SAPS. While specifics remain undisclosed until his court appearance, this phrase typically refers to corrupt practices like nepotism, favouritism, or bypassing proper procedures when appointing senior officials. Such actions could see unqualified or compromised individuals placed in powerful positions, weakening the police force’s ability to fight crime effectively. Sources suggest the investigation may involve appointments made during Khumalo’s tenure as Crime Intelligence head, though no names or details have been officially released.
A Troubled History in SAPS Crime Intelligence
This arrest is not the first time the Crime Intelligence unit has been under the spotlight. The division, responsible for gathering critical information to combat organised crime, terrorism, and corruption, has faced multiple scandals over the years. One notable case involved former national commissioner Jackie Selebi, convicted in 2010 for accepting bribes from a crime syndicate. More recently, the unit has been linked to misuse of secret funds and internal power struggles, raising questions about its leadership and oversight. Khumalo’s arrest could be part of a broader push to clean up the division, though it also highlights ongoing challenges in restoring its credibility.
Reactions from Key Figures
The arrest has drawn responses from various quarters. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu expressed concern, stating that any corruption within SAPS undermines public safety and trust. “We are committed to ensuring that those who break the law, no matter their rank, face justice,” he said during a press conference. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), have called it a “symptom of deeper rot” within the police service, urging a full audit of senior appointments. Anti-corruption watchdog Corruption Watch welcomed the arrest, with its executive director, Karam Singh, noting, “This is a step forward, but only if it leads to real accountability and systemic change.”
Impact on Public Trust and SAPS
The arrest of such a high-ranking official risks further damaging public confidence in SAPS, already strained by years of corruption allegations and rising crime rates. Crime Intelligence plays a vital role in supporting investigations into gang violence, drug trafficking, and cash-in-transit heists—crimes that affect ordinary South Africans daily. If its leadership is tainted, the ripple effects could hinder these efforts. However, some see this as a chance for renewal. Professor Pierre de Vos, a constitutional law expert at the University of Cape Town, remarked, “Arresting a figure like Khumalo shows intent, but the real test is whether the prosecution succeeds and reforms follow.”
Political Context and Broader Implications
South Africa’s government has faced mounting pressure to act decisively against corruption since the Zondo Commission’s findings implicated numerous officials and politicians. With national elections looming in 2026, this arrest could bolster the ruling African National Congress’s (ANC) anti-corruption credentials—or expose its failures if the case falters. For SAPS, the stakes are high: a transparent process could rebuild faith in the institution, while any hint of a cover-up could deepen public cynicism
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