Gauteng SAPS Infiltrated by Cartel, Claims Crime Intelligence Boss

Key Takeaways:

• The head of South Africa’s National Crime Intelligence, Dumisani Khumalo, has alleged that nearly all South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in Gauteng are working for a criminal cartel.
• Khumalo made this statement while testifying at Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating accusations that a cartel, known as the Big Five, has infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system, law enforcement, politics, and private security.
• The cartel is accused of infiltrating the police force, with some officers offering protection to crime syndicate members for a fee.
• Khumalo also testified about two high-level police operations focused on crime suspects Katiso "KT" Molefe and Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who are accused of being Big Five cartel members.

Introduction to the Scandal
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is facing a major scandal, with allegations that a criminal cartel, known as the Big Five, has infiltrated the police force, as well as the country’s criminal justice system, politics, and private security. The head of National Crime Intelligence, Dumisani Khumalo, has made shocking allegations about the extent of the cartel’s influence, stating that nearly all SAPS officers in Gauteng are working for the cartel. This revelation has sent shockwaves throughout the country, with many calling for greater accountability and action to be taken against those involved.

The Testimony of Dumisani Khumalo
Khumalo’s testimony at Parliament’s ad hoc committee was a damning indictment of the SAPS and the government’s handling of the cartel’s influence. He alleged that police officers were offering protection to crime syndicate members for a fee, and that this was a common practice within the police force. Khumalo also testified about two high-level police operations focused on crime suspects Katiso "KT" Molefe and Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala, who are accused of being Big Five cartel members. The operations were marred by interference and allegations of corruption, with some police officers allegedly working to protect the suspects.

The Infiltration of the Police Force
Khumalo’s allegations about the infiltration of the police force are particularly concerning, as they suggest that the cartel has been able to exert significant influence over the SAPS. He stated that the cartel’s members had been able to infiltrate the police force by offering protection to crime syndicate members for a fee, and that this had become a lucrative business for some officers. Khumalo also alleged that the cartel had been able to manipulate police investigations and obstruction of legal proceedings, making it difficult for the authorities to bring them to justice.

The Role of Politicians and Business Leaders
Khumalo also testified about the role of politicians and business leaders in the cartel’s activities. He alleged that the cartel’s members had been able to form close relationships with politicians and business leaders, allowing them to access sensitive information and influence the investigation processes. This has raised concerns about the extent of corruption and influence peddling in South Africa, and the need for greater transparency and accountability in government and business.

The Investigation and Aftermath
The investigation into the cartel’s activities is ongoing, and Khumalo’s testimony has provided valuable insight into the extent of the cartel’s influence. The ad hoc committee is continuing to hear evidence and question witnesses, and it is expected that more revelations will emerge in the coming weeks. The scandal has already led to the suspension of several high-ranking police officers, including the national commissioner of crime detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya. The government has also announced plans to establish a new unit to investigate organized crime and corruption, and to take steps to address the root causes of the problem.

Conclusion and Recommendations
The scandal surrounding the Big Five cartel is a major concern for South Africa, and it highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in government and law enforcement. The allegations made by Khumalo are serious and require urgent attention, and it is essential that the authorities take swift and decisive action to address the problem. This includes establishing a new unit to investigate organized crime and corruption, and taking steps to address the root causes of the problem, such as poverty and inequality. The government must also ensure that those involved in the scandal are held accountable, and that the police force is reformed to prevent similar scandals from occurring in the future.