Chief Magistrate steps aside in Crime Intelligence corruption case

The Chief Magistrate of the Pretoria Regional Court, Vusimuzi Mahlangu, has recused himself from the matter against Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo, and his six co-accused.

Khumalo and his co-accused appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on Tuesday, but Mahlangu indicated he could not preside over the matter as he had been subpoenaed to testify before the Madlanga Commission.

The case has been rolled over to Wednesday to allow a new magistrate to be appointed.

Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo, along with the unit’s Chief Financial Officer Philani Lushaba, Head of the Analysis Centre Precious Madondo, Gauteng Head of Crime Intelligence Josias Lekalakala, Zwelitini Gabela of SAPS Technology Services, Head of the Vetting Office Cynthia Ncube, and Technical Support System Manager Dineo Mokwele, appeared in court earlier today.

With the exception of Mokwele, the accused face charges of fraud and corruption. These charges relate to the appointment of 30-year-old Mokwele last year as a brigadier for a highly specialised division within Crime Intelligence, responsible for national covert operations.

Mokwele stands accused of falsifying qualifications on her CV.

The matter against the accused could, however, not proceed after Chief Magistrate Mahlangu recused himself, following his subpoena to testify at the Madlanga Commission.

The case will now be heard tomorrow (Wednesday) before a new magistrate.

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