State prepares to oppose application against 4 senior crime intelligence officials' return to work

JOHANNESBURG - The State is preparing to oppose an application against four senior crime intelligence officials who want to return to work.

This is the fraud and corruption case against crime intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and his co-accused draws closer to trial.

The accused appeared in the Pretoria Regional Court on Wednesday morning following their release on bail last month.

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The charges relate to the appointment of 30-year-old Dineo Mokwele to an executive position within crime intelligence in April last year, despite her having no policing capabilities, knowledge, or skills.

Khumalo, who's been implicated alongside six others in a fraud and corruption scandal, is pushing to return to work.

He and five senior crime intelligence members stand accused of colluding in appointing Mokwele last year as a brigadier for a highly specialised division within crime intelligence, responsible for national covert operations, despite her not having any previous policing skills or qualifications.

Mokwele stands accused of falsifying qualifications on her CV.

During their appearance in the Pretoria Regional Court, the court heard how four of the seven accused intend to make an application to amend their bail conditions, which will see them returning to work.

This includes Khumalo, Mokwele, as well as Precious Madondo, head of the analysis centre at Crime Intelligence and Josias Lekalakala, Gauteng crime intelligence head, who will submit applications in court next week in favour of returning to work.

However, the State intends to oppose their applications, given that some witnesses are identified as part of the case work within crime intelligence.

The main case has been postponed to next month for the finalisation of a trial date.