The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has formally withdrawn all corruption charges against the Divisional Commissioner of Crime Intelligence Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, and six other high-ranking police officials.

The legal turnaround follows a direct intervention by National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi.

The NPA said the decision was triggered by “emerging, undisputed evidence of serious irregularities” in how the State handled the high-profile case.

The withdrawal vindicates a significant portion of the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence top brass.

Charges were dropped against Khumalo, Major-General Philani Lushaba (CFO at Crime Intelligence), Major-General Nosipho Precious Madondo (Component Head of Intelligence Analysis and Coordination), Major-General Josias Lekalakala (Gauteng Provincial Head: Crime Intelligence), Major-General Zwelithini Gabela (Technical Management Services), Brigadier Phindile Ncube (Section Head: Personnel Security - Vetting) and Brigadier Dine Mokwele.

Mothibi invoked Section 179(5)(c) of the Constitution, read alongside Section 22(2)(b) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Act.

These legal provisions grant the NDPP the explicit power to review and intervene in prosecutions if established policy directives are violated.

The NPA said the decision was reached after a “careful review” of case evidence compiled by IDAC, legal representations submitted by the accused officers' defence teams and “undisputed testimonies” delivered during the ongoing Madlanga Commission, which is currently investigating internal streams of IDAC.

Testimonies at the Madlanga Commission exposed severe procedural flaws and improper conduct in the building of the State's case.

While the Commission has not yet concluded its work or submitted a final report to the President, the NDPP ruled that immediate intervention was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the NPA and ensure the interests of justice.

The NPA has launched formal disciplinary processes against three suspended IDAC officials implicated in improper conduct during the Madlanga Commission hearings.

The NPA explained that a comprehensive process to "reset" IDAC is now underway to restore eroding public confidence and the unit is executing mandatory lifestyle audits alongside skills and qualifications assessments to ensure staff are fit for purpose.

Following recent leadership shakeups, the NPA confirmed that the process to appoint a new acting Investigating Director is being treated with the “utmost urgency”.

This systemic reform strategy aligns with a joint mandate delivered by the Minister of Justice and the NDPP during a media briefing last month, aimed at forcing the unit to operate strictly within the bounds of the law.

The NPA has promised full communication with the public once the institutional overhaul and leadership appointments are finalised.