Overview

• Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo testified that an organised cartel influenced the Police Ministry’s December 31, 2024 instruction from Senzo Mchunu to disband KwaZulu-Natal’s Political Killings Task Team, a move earlier described by SAPS witnesses as outside the national commissioner’s mandate.
• He identified a Gauteng-based syndicate he called the “Big Five,” naming Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Katiso “KT” Molefe as members, and outlined alleged activities including drug trafficking, contract killings, cross-border hijackings, kidnappings, tender fraud and extortion.
• Khumalo produced WhatsApp chats he said were taken from Matlala’s phone, indicating links to officials and businessmen including Brown Mogotsi, Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona and his son Thato, Ekurhuleni acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi, Suliman Karim and Calvin Rafadi, with claims of payments tied to ANC events, leaked SAPS documents and efforts to scuttle the PKTT and protect contracts.
• He said parts of his evidence will be heard in camera to protect sources and operations, and reported that since 2018 the task team handled 612 dockets, with 297 finalised, 125 under investigation, 10 awaiting NPA decisions and 117 withdrawn.
• Khumalo stated that former police minister Bheki Cele did not issue directives to the PKTT during his tenure, while the commission confirmed a leadership change in its evidence team with Matthew Chaskalson replacing Terry Motau as chief evidence leader.