Overview

• Testifying in Pretoria on Monday, Crime Intelligence chief Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo said he believes an organised cartel influenced the December 31, 2024 decision to shut the Political Killings Task Team in KwaZulu-Natal.
• He noted the ministerial directive came without prior discussion and indicated portions of his evidence must be heard in camera to protect ongoing investigations and sources.
• Khumalo, who has led the task team since 2018, was arrested in June on fraud and corruption charges linked to a senior appointment, an action some witnesses allege was intended to disrupt cartel-focused probes.
• The commission confirmed a leadership change, with Matthew Chaskalson taking over as chief evidence leader after Terry Motau’s departure less than two weeks into hearings.
• The inquiry, launched after Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations of political interference, is working toward a final report within six months as public pressure grows following endorsements such as former president Thabo Mbeki’s praise for whistleblowing.