Corruption charges dropped against South Africa's police intelligence boss
Officials had faced charges over the appointment of a civilian to a top post within crime intelligence.
Fraud and corruption charges against South Africa's police intelligence chief, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, and six other officers have been dropped by prosecutors.
Khumalo, who has headed the police's crime intelligence division since 2022, and his co-accused were arrested in June 2025. The charges stemmed from the alleged unlawful appointment of a civilian to a crucial role within the intelligence unit. All denied the allegations and remained unsuspended.
The case was formally dismissed at a court in Pretoria, the capital, following a review by the country's chief prosecutor last month.
The South African police force has a history of political interference, alleged corruption, and perceived ineffectiveness in addressing high crime rates.
Currently, the Madlanga Commission, a significant judicial inquiry into alleged police corruption, is ongoing. President Cyril Ramaphosa established it last year after a senior police officer claimed that organized crime groups had infiltrated the government.
Outside the Pretoria court after the charges were withdrawn, Gen Khumalo expressed his relief, stating that "the truth at least is out."
Prosecutors had previously alleged that Dineo Mokwele, appointed to a senior technical support services position within crime intelligence, was unqualified and described her appointment as a "token."
Mokwele's appointment subsequently came under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission, where it was revealed that she was highly qualified for the role, possessing approximately a dozen certificates.
In July, Andrea Johnson, the former head of a specialized unit within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) responsible for investigating high-level and complex corruption cases, testified before the commission. She admitted to being unaware of Mokwele's qualifications and apologized for her previous remarks.
Gen Khumalo assumed leadership of Crime Intelligence in 2022, having served in various police units for over two decades prior.