READ: SAPS Crime Intelligence Chief Arrested in R45 Million Corruption Probe

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s law enforcement community, Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the head of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Division, was arrested on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at OR Tambo International Airport. The arrest, executed by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), is linked to allegations of corruption involving a R45 million property scandal and irregular senior appointments within the SAPS Crime Intelligence unit.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed Khumalo’s arrest, with spokesperson Henry Mamothame stating that the Crime Intelligence boss, along with other senior SAPS managers, is expected to appear at the Pretoria Central Magistrate Court on Friday, June 27, 2025. The charges stem from an extensive investigation into the alleged unlawful purchase of two luxury properties—a R22.7 million boutique hotel in Pretoria and a R22.8 million commercial property in Durban—without the required oversight from the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure or the National Treasury. These transactions, reportedly authorized by Khumalo and Major-General Philani Lushaba, the Crime Intelligence unit’s Chief Financial Officer, have raised serious concerns about financial misconduct and abuse of public funds.

The scandal also implicates the misuse of SAPS Crime Intelligence slush funds, intended for covert operations critical to national security. Ian Cameron, chair of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, highlighted the severity of the allegations, stating, “The arrest of Lieutenant General Khumalo sends more shockwaves through the policing community in South Africa. This development again raises serious concerns about the integrity and leadership crisis in SAPS senior management.” Cameron has called for urgent skills, integrity, and lifestyle audits to address systemic issues within the force.

The arrest follows reports earlier this month that Major-General Lushaba had allegedly vanished on June 6, 2025, just as the IDAC sought to question him about his role in the property deals. The Democratic Alliance’s Dianne Kohler-Barnard, who has been vocal about corruption within SAPS, described the situation as a “turning point,” emphasizing that “without swift action to purge senior management of corrupt elements, there is little hope of restoring credibility to SAPS’ intelligence function.”

Public reaction has been one of dismay but not surprise, with many South Africans expressing frustration over persistent corruption within the police service. Posts on X reflect a growing sentiment of distrust, with some users describing SAPS as a “criminal organization” and others predicting that charges may be dropped, citing a lack of faith in the justice system. One user remarked, “SA will never win this fight against crime and corruption because high-profile people like police commissioners are playing their part in criminal activities.”

Khumalo’s arrest comes on the heels of other high-profile SAPS scandals, including the recent arrest of Major-General Philani Lushaba and three other officers on charges of corruption, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice. The Crime Intelligence division, long plagued by allegations of misconduct dating back to the era of former head Richard Mdluli, is now under intense scrutiny as authorities work to dismantle what some describe as a “cash cow for Zuma-aligned cronies.”

As the case unfolds, the arrests of Khumalo and other senior officials signal a renewed push by the NPA and IDAC to tackle corruption within SAPS. However, the road to restoring public trust in the police service remains steep. With Khumalo’s court appearance looming, South Africans are watching closely to see whether this high-profile case will expose deeper networks of corruption or serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform within the force.

The implications of this scandal are profound, not only for SAPS but for South Africa’s broader fight against organized crime and state capture. As one observer noted, “The integrity of our law enforcement is at stake. This is a moment that could define whether we can truly protect South Africans from those who abuse power.”