Firm linked to two cops in line to score big from purchase of properties by Crime Intel

CRIME Intelligence has been rocked by another scandal as the new information shows that the unit is in the process of purchasing two properties in Durban, through a company linked to members of SAPS. 

The properties would be purchased through Matla Storage (Pty) Limited, which was set up last year. 

The directors of two police officers who are stationed in Pretoria - Captain Madumetja Mabusela and Nomzamo Nqwelo. 

Certified fraud examiner and founder of Forensics for Justice, Paul O’Sullivan, forwarded this information to the National Prosecuting Authorities’ Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and Office of the Inspector-General for Intelligence (OIGI).

It is believed that the purchase has been approved.

This comes as investigations into the alleged looting of the Crime Intelligence secret account continue following the arrest of Dumisani Khumalo, the head of the division, and seven others.

Khumalo was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg last week after what authorities described as an “extensive” investigation into the allegedly unlawful acquisition of two high-value properties.

The properties include a boutique hotel in Pretoria North, Gauteng, reportedly purchased for R22.7 million and a commercial building in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, valued at R22.8m. 

Both acquisitions are alleged to have been made without the requisite ministerial approval.

It has been alleged that Khumalo and the National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, received kickbacks from these deals.

The City Press on Sunday reported that Masemola could be arrested for the irregular procurement of crime intelligence buildings worth more than R120 million.

For the two properties in Durban, it has been alleged that Matla Storage has drawn up the memorandum motivating the expenditure of R38m plus R10m in purported transfer costs. 

In the application for funds, seen by Independent Newspapers, the offer to purchase was accepted by the seller on December 30, 2024, for a purchase price of R22.8m in terms of the agreement.

 A deposit of R2m was paid on January 7, 2025. 

This was signed by Mabusela, who is also the supply chain management, and the acting head of finance and administration, Colonel S Mayekiso, as well as the chief financial officer, Major General Lushaba.

Mabusela did not respond to messages and calls. 

Nqwelo also dropped the call when asked to respond.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the SAPS does not comment on any aspect related to the crime intelligence space. 

IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the division cannot comment on matters under investigation or the sources of our investigations.

“Matters are referred to IDAC in terms of Sec 27  of the NPA Act and can be referred to us by anyone,” he said.

OIGI spokesperson, Nomsa Mlambo, said the Inspector General will formally respond to the question on Monday.

Masemola also did not respond to calls and messages.

The Police Ministry said itnoted with concern some media reports speculating about Masemola’s imminent arrest. 

“We have not been made aware of such impending arrest. We have also noted the response from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on this speculation. We plead with the media to avoid any speculation on this as speculation of this nature has an adverse impact on the named person and also has an effect of destabilising the work of the South African Police Service.”

O’Sullivan said the involvement of the two police officials amounts to a conflict of interest. 

“It is noted that both buildings are fully tenanted and use thereof for police officials cannot be obtained until they have been vacated."

“It is not stated what will happen to the rental income on both buildings, after same have been purchased, but before same are put to use by the police,” said O’Sullivan, adding that although the memorandum states that the transfer costs will be in the order of R10 million, it is clear that this was grossly exaggerated.

Cape Times