South Africa’s crime intelligence, General Dumisani Khumalo, has taken ill, leading to the adjournment of the Madlanga Commission proceedings. Khumalo was scheduled to continue his pivotal testimony on Wednesday morning at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College when he began feeling unwell shortly after his arrival.
Confirming the situation, the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued a statement indicating that General Khumalo is currently receiving treatment but is in good spirits, taking advice from his physician. “The General felt unwell after arriving at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College where he was due to continue with his testimony,” the SAPS said. “General Masemola is in contact with the senior officer and confirms that he is in good spirits.”
Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson for the commission, articulated that proceedings will only resume once Khumalo’s health allows. “He was here this morning, and he left the Bridget Madlanga Justice College here, the office of the Commission, just a few minutes after 9. We will announce during the course of the day as to the way forward. But for today, we are adjourned,” he commented.
While the SAPS has not clarified whether Khumalo is in hospital or being treated at home, they reiterated that his health is paramount and updates on his condition will be provided. “The General’s health is receiving priority, and the Madlanga Commission will be kept abreast of all developments pertaining to his condition as well as when he will be available to continue with his testimony,” SAPS clarified.
Before his health setback, Khumalo had been disclosing critical insights regarding the extent of influence wielded by alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi Cat Matlala. Khumalo’s revelations suggested that Matlala’s reach extended into political circles, implicating figures such as Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who has been placed on special leave amid these serious allegations.
“The guy of the Funding 20 is also in Johannesburg from Tuesday. He is the one I said has three billion contracts with SAPS,” Khumalo said. He elaborated on purported interactions involving Matlala and others like Brown Mogotsi, a suspected influence peddler, insinuating a convoluted web of corruption and political compromise.