Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo testified at the Madlanga Commission on 4 November 2025, recommending that the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team's methods be adopted countrywide to combat serious crimes. His evidence highlighted the task team's effectiveness in cases linked to cartels while exposing alleged corruption involving senior police officials. Security expert Professor Kholofelo Rakubu noted that the testimony shifts focus to systemic issues within the South African Police Service.
Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, SAPS Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, resumed his testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, after an illness interrupted it on 1 October 2025. The commission is investigating alleged criminality, political interference, and corruption in law enforcement, stemming from claims by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against sidelined police minister Senzo Mchunu and suspended deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
Khumalo praised the Provincial Killings Task Team (PKTT), based in KwaZulu-Natal, for setting a benchmark in investigating serious crimes, including those tied to cartels. He cited the murder of engineer Armand Swart on 17 April 2024, believed to be a mistaken identity case after his employer, Q Tech, reported Transnet contract corruption. The PKTT joined on 19 November 2024, leading to the arrest of businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe on 6 December 2024, alleged mastermind of the killing. An AK-47 seized in the case linked to other high-profile incidents.
"In all our recommendations to policymakers, we recommend that this methodology is used as a benchmark to try and change the way we investigate crime," Khumalo said. "We believe this model of PKTT can be used as a transition from the traditional way of investigating to this one, which is suitable for the problems that we are facing as a country at this moment."
Khumalo described the 'Big Five' cartel, naming Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Molefe, with links to the late Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi. He alleged cartels infiltrate SAPS, with members recruiting officers and hiding via private security firms. In November 2024, 10 PKTT experts in ballistics, digital forensics, and crime scene analysis joined Gauteng's Counterintelligence Operations Unit.
Efforts to replicate the model provincially faltered, except in the Western Cape under commissioner Thembisile Patekile, who participated in training. Recommendations have gone to the police minister and national commissioner.
Khumalo detailed alleged kickbacks to Sibiya via Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, who acted as intermediary with Molefe and Matlala. CCTV showed Nkosi at Molefe’s Sandhurst home in a state vehicle, emerging with a white bag; the vehicle lacked a tracker. Nkosi also possessed Matlala’s bank card.
Security expert Professor Kholofelo Rakubu said Khumalo’s testimony, including Hawks official implications and footage of collaboration, highlights cartel connections and operational compromise in SAPS, shifting focus to systemic corruption.
The PKTT faces claims of high budget and heavy-handedness, which its leaders deny. Khumalo continues testimony on Wednesday.