“The Big 5” | Crime Intelligence chief reveals cartel links to SA’s justice system

Embattled Crime Intelligence boss, Dumisani Khumalo, has revealed that a drug cartel known as “the Big 5” has infiltrated South Africa’s justice system by recruiting officials at entry level.

Testifying at the Madlanga Commission, which is probing political and criminal infiltration in the judiciary, Khumalo named two alleged leaders of the cartel: Katiso “KT” Molefe and controversial businessman, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Khumalo told the commission that the Big 5 has also infiltrated politics, recruiting a dozen members experienced in illicit drug trafficking, contract killings, cross-border vehicle hijacking, and tender fraud.

He said the cartel often registers private security companies as fronts to access firearms.

Headquartered in Gauteng, the syndicate operates in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, using ports to move contraband. Members receive monthly salaries, and the cartel resorts to cash-in-transit heists when funds run low.

In a key moment, WhatsApp messages between Matlala and senior police officers were presented, showing links to influential government officials. Khumalo said only five pairs of chats could be disclosed publicly, as others are part of ongoing criminal cases.

Khumalo also said he is prepared to reveal how organised drug cartels tried to disband the Political Killings task team, claiming one cartel influenced the police ministry and SAPS, mistakenly believing the unit was investigating its activities in Gauteng.

The commission said Khumalo’s submission is the largest so far, compiled into three parts.

Khumalo is currently out on R10 000 bail, after he was arrested in July at OR Tambo International Airport in connection with alleged unlawful senior appointments.

The commission has so far heard testimonies from several SAPS bosses, including the National Police Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, and his Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkwanazi.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe