ARREST OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL DUMISANI KHUMALO @KASIBC_AFRICA

ARREST OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL DUMISANI KHUMALO @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KKASIBC_AFRIA

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is concerned about the arrest of Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the Head of South Africa’s Crime Intelligence Division, a development that once again exposes the deep rot within of South Africa’s law enforcement agencies. Lt. Khumalo’s arrest, reportedly linked to unlawful senior appointments within crime intelligence, is a scandal of national significance. 

It comes at a time when crime intelligence is expected to lead in the fight against gender-based violence, cashin-transit heists, cross-border drug and sex trafficking, and the broader web of organised criminal networks that are tearing our communities apart. Instead, we are faced with the reality that the very head of this unit, appointed to restore credibility after years of dysfunction, is now in police custody, alongside senior officers including Brigadier Daniel Ncube, Brigadier Nozipho Madondo, and Major-General Gabela. This signals not only the collapse of internal integrity within the SAPS, but also systemic failure in intelligence vetting, and institutional leadership.  

The EFF has long argued that South Africa’s law enforcement bodies are politically polluted, unable to act independently, and often used as instruments of corruption. The arrest of Lt. Khumalo is not an isolated scandal, it is the latest symptom of a sick, and hollowed-out policing system, which urgently requires structural overhaul. 

In particular, this arrest should also be looked at in light of the recent revelations by National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the broader law enforcement architecture has been infiltrated by criminal and political interests. 

That the head of crime intelligence could allegedly secure or facilitate appointments through corrupt means raises urgent questions about the legitimacy of all actions, investigations, and strategies taken under his leadership. 

The EFF finds it necessary to highlight that if crime intelligence in South Africa is compromised, who is watching the syndicates? Who is dismantling the cartels? Who is protecting whistleblowers? The implications are far-reaching. 

We, therefore, demand full transparency and accountability from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), the SAPS, and the Ministry of Police. While the IDAC has refused to engage the public regarding the details of the arrest, the public has a right to know the full extent of the allegations against Lt. Khumalo; how far-reaching these unlawful appointments and related misconduct were; who may have benefited politically or financially from Lt. Khumalo’s leadership; whether any high-profile investigations were derailed or manipulated under his watch; and most importantly, what mechanisms have failed to prevent this from happening. 

The EFF also calls for a full, thorough, and independent investigation in this regard. The safety and security of the people of South Africa cannot rest in the hands of compromised individuals. 

Crime intelligence must be led by individuals of impeccable ethics, professional independence, and a proven track record of protecting the nation.  

 

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PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA CABINET RESHUFFLE @KASIBC_AFRICA

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA CABINET RESHUFFLE @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

On 25 June 2025, I removed Mr Andrew Whitfield from the position of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition in terms of section 93 (1) of the Constitution.

It is not common practice for the President of the Republic of South Africa to provide reasons either for the appointment or dismissal of Members of the Executive. 

However, due to several unfortunate statements and outright distortions by a number of people, especially Mr John Steenhuisen and Mr Whitfield himself, it is necessary for me to make a public statement on the circumstances surrounding Mr Whitfield’s removal.

Mr Whitfield was removed as a Deputy Minister because he undertook an international visit without the permission of the President.

His travel to the United States was a clear violation of the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive. This requirement is known to all Ministers and Deputy Ministers. These rules and established practices were expressly communicated to all members of the Executive during the induction sessions at the commencement of the 7th administration. 

These rules and practices were repeated in Cabinet in March this year by me as President. All international travel by members of the executive must always be undertaken with the express permission of the President. 

This practice is rigorously observed and adhered to by all members of the Executive. However, Mr Whitfield deliberately chose to violate this rule and practice.

Prior to the removal of Mr Whitfield, I informed Minister John Steenhuisen as the leader of the Democratic Alliance that I had decided to remove Mr Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister and that I expect him to present to me for approval a replacement for Mr Whitfield from his party as the DA is entitled to a Deputy Minister as agreed.

 In that discussion, Mr Steenhuisen informed me that Mr Whitfield had been expecting that he may be dismissed on the grounds that he had undertaken an international trip without the President’s permission. 

This expectation, along with a perfunctory letter of apology that Mr Whitfield wrote to me following his travel to the USA without the required permission, indicated that he was aware that his actions had violated the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive.

During my discussion with Mr Steenhuisen, he asked me if there was precedent for the action that I intended to take in relation to Mr Whitfield. I informed him that there was indeed prior precedent.

 I told him that in 1995, President Nelson Mandela dismissed the late Deputy Minister Madikizela-Mandela and that in 2007 President Thabo Mbeki dismissed then Deputy Minister Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge on the grounds of undertaking international travel without permission. 

Given all these circumstances there is consequently no reasonable grounds for Mr Steenhuisen and the Democratic Alliance to issue ultimatums and threats when the President exercises his constitutional prerogative and responsibility. Nor are there any grounds to try link this with matters that have no bearing on the conduct of the former Deputy Minister.

There is really no basis for suggestions that the dismissal of the former Deputy Minister is related to any other reason than his failure to receive permission to travel and adhere to the rules and established practices expected of members of the Executive of the Republic of South Africa.

While Mr Steenhuisen asked that he be allowed to brief the Democratic Alliance Federal Executive prior

I am amazed at Mr Steenhuisen’s intemperate reaction to the removal of Mr Whitfield. He knows very well that the blatant disregard of the rules and practices that govern the international travel of members of the executive is a serious violation that should not be permitted. 

It is unprecedented in the history of our democracy that the exercise by the President of his constitutional prerogative and responsibility with respect to a clear violation of rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive has met with such irresponsible and unjustifiable threats and ultimatums from a member of the executive.

Let it be clear that the President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the Executive that he has the prerogative to appoint in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

President 

Cyril Ramaphosa 

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