Johannesburg - Suspended Crime Intelligence head honcho, Dumisani Khumalo, faced the music in court today on charges of fraud and corruption. The drama unfolded as the presiding magistrate unexpectedly recused himself, throwing a spanner in the works! Why? He's been implicated in the Madlanga Commission investigation.
Chief Magistrate Steps Aside
Vusimuzi Mahlangu, the Chief Magistrate of the Pretoria Regional Court, decided he couldn't be impartial in the case against Khumalo and his six co-accused. Turns out, he's been subpoenaed to testify before the Madlanga Commission. Talk about a conflict of interest!
Khumalo and his crew appeared in court on Tuesday, but Mahlangu's announcement meant the case had to be postponed. A new magistrate needs to be appointed before things can move forward. The case has been rolled over to Wednesday.
The Accused: A Who's Who of Crime Intelligence
Besides Dumisani Khumalo, the accused include some heavy hitters from Crime Intelligence:
- Philani Lushaba (Chief Financial Officer)
- Precious Madondo (Head of the Analysis Centre)
- Josias Lekalakala (Gauteng Head of Crime Intelligence)
- Zwelitini Gabela (SAPS Technology Services)
- Cynthia Ncube (Head of the Vetting Office)
- Dineo Mokwele (Technical Support System Manager)
Everyone except Mokwele is facing charges of fraud and corruption. The charges stem from the appointment of Mokwele, a 30-year-old, as a brigadier in a highly specialised division responsible for national covert operations. This appointment raised eyebrows and triggered the investigation.
Stay tuned to NewsRPT for the latest updates on this developing story!