PRETORIA — South Africa's national police intelligence chief, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, was arrested on Thursday evening and appeared in court on Friday in connection with fraud and corruption charges. His arrest comes after a long-running investigation into the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence unit, which Khumalo has led since 2022.

Khumalo and six senior officers face accusations of misusing intelligence funds and making unlawful appointments within the unit. The arrests have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the SAPS, particularly the Crime Intelligence division, which is tasked with preventing and responding to national security threats.

Political Reactions and Calls for Reform

The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s second-largest political party, welcomed the arrests as a necessary step to restore the credibility of the SAPS. "This points to yet another serious breach of trust within a critical state institution tasked with performing our nation's policing functions and mandate," the DA said.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expressed concern that Khumalo’s arrest is merely the latest symptom of a deeper issue within the police force, calling for structural reforms. "This is a sick, hollowed-out policing system," the EFF remarked, highlighting the urgent need for a systemic overhaul.

Khumalo's Career Under Scrutiny

Khumalo’s arrest marks a significant turning point in the scrutiny of South Africa’s police leadership, especially after years of mounting corruption cases against senior officers. Having served in various police units over more than two decades, Khumalo’s leadership of Crime Intelligence has been marred by controversy and public distrust in recent months.