His remarks come as investigations into a controversial Crime Intelligence property procurement deal gather pace.

The spotlight has turned sharply onto SA’s law enforcement leadership following the recent arrest of Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, head of the Police Crime Intelligence Unit. Khumalo appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Friday alongside seven co-accused, facing fraud and corruption charges in a separate matter.

Concerns around the misuse of funds within the police’s intelligence division are not new. According to criminal intelligence specialist and Chief Executive Officer of IRS Forensic Investigations, Chad Thomas, whispers of financial irregularities have persisted for years.

“There’s been talk about questionable spending, including the purchase of safe houses and even a hotel. But the real concern lies in the alleged misuse of Secret Service funds,” Thomas said.

Those funds, he explained, are vital for paying informants, a cornerstone of crime intelligence operations. “Informers play a crucial role in both preventing and solving crime. Yet many haven’t received stipends in months. If these payments are delayed or mismanaged, it cripples our ability to dismantle crime syndicates.”

Thomas pointed to recent violent incidents, such as the mass shooting in Gugulethu, as examples where community-based intelligence could have made a difference.

“What’s especially troubling,” he added, “is that while SA has formal oversight bodies, from Parliament’s policing committees to the Inspector-General of Intelligence, it’s often individuals in the private sector driving accountability.”

He singled out forensic consultant Paul O’Sullivan, who has been instrumental in exposing alleged corruption involving senior police officials. “It raises uncomfortable questions about why private citizens are having to hold public institutions to account,” Thomas said.

The broader issue, according to him, is chronic underfunding and lack of capacity in key institutions. “The Hawks are running at around 51% of their required capacity. They’re overwhelmed and under-resourced and that opens the door to corruption.”

Thomas credited the Investigating Directorate for taking its mandate seriously, even with limited support. “They’re not quite the Scorpions of old, but they’re showing signs of becoming a powerful force in tackling organised crime.”

--ChannelAfrica--