By Marcus Moloko
Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating police criminality faced damning claims against journalists, where Crime Intelligence boss General Dumisani Khumalo alleged that certain journalists were working hand in glove with criminal cartels.
Khumalo indicated that these journalists could have acted as conduits for cartel communications.
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EFF leader Julius Malema asked Khumalo to confirm if journalists were positioned to protect cartels.
“We have identified some that we believe might be part of the communication department of the cartel. The investigation is still ongoing,” Khumalo responded.
Malema followed up the question with another assertion if the disbandment of the PKTT was to protect the cartels.
Khumalo said police were convinced based on the reasons contained in his statement to the commission.
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Khumalo’s testimony follows an earlier warning from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who listed names of journalists who were allegedly captured to peddle an agenda.
Testifying before the ad hoc committee, Mkhwanazi accused City Press journalist Abram Mashego of publishing unsolicited information against him.
He also stated that certain journalists from the Sunday Times, City Press, and News24 should be held accountable for their reports.
Mkhwanazi referenced a report by the Inspector General of Intelligence, which was referenced in a News24 article and said it was classified.
The committee continues on Monday.
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