By Johnathan Paoli
The Madlanga Commission on Wednesday adjourned proceedings for the day after Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, head of SAPS Crime Intelligence, left the venue shortly after 9am, citing illness.
Khumalo was scheduled to continue his testimony for a third day, presenting evidence linked to suspected criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, and their alleged links to former police minister, Senzo Mchunu.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels told the media that the adjournment was purely due to Khumalo not feeling well.
“There’s nothing out of the ordinary except that General Khumalo is not feeling well, and Justice Madlanga took the decision to adjourn for the day instead,” Michaels said.
He confirmed that no timeline has been set for when Khumalo will resume testimony.
Khumalo’s evidence has thus far focused on WhatsApp messages between Matlala and Mogotsi.
The messages, dating from December 2024 to May 2025, show Mogotsi acting as an intermediary, soliciting payments from Matlala and claiming access to senior police officials.
Khumalo told the commission that Mogotsi had privileged information about police operations and court processes, which he allegedly used to gain Matlala’s trust.
His testimony also revealed patterns of influence-peddling and potential corruption, including coordination of narratives to undermine investigations and alleged involvement in state procurement contracts, such as various Tembisa Hospital tenders.
Khumalo has further detailed political interference in SAPS leadership appointments, giving context to the alleged nexus between organised crime, business actors and political figures.
Michaels said the commission will make an announcement later in the day regarding the plans for the week ahead.
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