Seven high-ranking South African police officers face suspension over corruption allegations

Several high-ranking police officers, including the national head of crime intelligence, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, could face suspension if Forensics for Justice succeeds in court.

Khumalo and the other six top cops – crime intelligence chief financial officer (CFO) Philani Lushaba, crime intelligence technical support system manager Brigadier Dineo Mokwele, Gauteng crime intelligence boss Major-General Josias Lekalakala, head of the analysis centre Major-General Nosipho Precious Madondo, Major-General Zwelithini Gabela of the police’s technology services, and head of the vetting office Brigadier Phindile Ncube – all appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

They were arrested by the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

Forensics for Justice and its founder Paul O’Sullivan has also been investigating the officers for corruption, nepotism, and abuse of office since last year.

He has urged National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola to suspend the officers urgently.

“Our client is of the view that there is much public interest in the unacceptably high rate of crime in South Africa, especially when it is being perpetrated by five generals and two brigadiers, such as the accused persons,” O’Sullivan’s lawyers, Darryl Furman and Associates, wrote to Masemola on Tuesday.

The top cop was given until the end of business on Wednesday to suspend the officers, pending disciplinary action.

O’Sullivan warned Masemola that if the officers are not suspended, he will prepare and launch an urgent high court application to obtain an order that the accused officers be suspended in the interests of the public.

According to O’Sullivan, the police’s crime intelligence has ceased to be an effective tool in the fight against crime in South Africa because, for the past 20 years, it has been led by criminals.

“The fact that the CFO of crime intelligence (Lushaba), who controls the budget of R600 million, is languishing in prison, awaiting trial, begs the question: 'Do his colleagues bring his laptop to him in prison so that he may effect electronic transfers?'”

In his response, Masemola said he was aware of his constitutional duties in terms of the SA Police Service Act as well as the disciplinary regulations.

“It must be emphasised that this matter is receiving the necessary attention it deserves and it’s a matter that involves the relationship between employer and employee in line with the Labour Relations Act as well as other relevant prescripts,” he explained.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu dismissed speculation that Masemola also faces imminent arrest.

Mchunu’s spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, said IDAC has also dismissed the speculation and warned it could destabilise the work of the police.

The DA has indicated that it will undertake a watching brief on the matter.

“In February this year, the DA wrote to the Inspector General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel, after it was uncovered that crime intelligence allegedly spent R22.8m on the purchase of a highly questionable commercial property in Berea, Durban, and R22.7m on a luxury boutique hotel in Pretoria North,” the party said.

The purchases were authorised by Lushaba as the CFO and Khumalo, according to the DA.

It also expects more arrests to follow of very high-ranking and senior police officials, and called on Mchunu to ensure that the full might of the law prevails and that these arrests lead to the imprisonment of those found guilty of wrongdoing.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said internal disciplinary processes are unfolding, adding that the national commissioner will appoint a senior officer to act as the divisional commissioner for Crime Intelligence this week to ensure the work and mandate of the division continue.

manyane.manyane@inl.co.za
loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za