Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Peter Serunye has testified before the Madlanga Commission that he challenged the legal basis for the arrest and corruption charges brought against senior police officials in 2025. Serunye stated that after a formal review of the case docket on 16 August 2025, he determined that the corruption allegations against figures including Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo were not sustainable.
Investigation Oversight And Sidelining Concerns
During his testimony on 4 August 2026, Serunye revealed he had been sidelined from the investigation until 8 August 2025, leaving him unaware of the arrests until they had already been executed on 26 June 2025. He expressed frustration regarding the handling of the case, suggesting that he and other colleagues were placed in an untenable position by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).
I remember one of my questions to them is, why were these generals arrested? I couldn’t understand, I couldn’t understand. Why are they charged with corruption?
Serunye further alleged that junior staff members were inappropriately involved in the high-stakes matter, which centred on the appointment of Brigadier Dineo Mokwele. Regarding the process, he remarked:
I sort of feel a little angry when I think about it. It feels like I was set up. Not only me but [Advocate Joy] Hlatywayo as well. As junior as she was, I don’t think she was supposed to have been involved in this case. Looking at it now, it appears she was set up.
Broader Implications For Justice Integrity
The National Prosecuting Authority has subsequently withdrawn all criminal charges against Khumalo, Mokwele, and their co-accused. The Madlanga Commission continues to examine allegations of political interference and irregular decision-making within the state’s investigative bodies.
The commission is expected to continue hearing evidence regarding the governance failures that led to the collapse of the case against the police leadership. Further witnesses from the National Prosecuting Authority are scheduled to testify in the coming weeks.