Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has appointed an acting head of the Crime Intelligence unit.
Announcing the appointment during a firearm destruction event in Gauteng on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, General Masemola said: “… let me take this opportunity to announce the acting Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, Major General Solomon Makgato.”
Major General Makgato’s acting appointment comes in the wake of the arrest of the SAPS divisional commissioner for crime intelligence Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo on charges related to corruption.
RELATED: Corruption Accused Police Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, 6 Co-Accused In Court – The Bulrushes
Khumalo has since been released on R10 000 bail.
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Major General Makgato is the current Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) also known as the HAWKS in the Western Cape.
“He brings to this position a wealth of experience and knowledge in the intelligence and detective space with 36 years of service in both environments,” said General Masemola.
“He holds a BTech degree in Policing as well as a National Diploma in Police Administration.
“We have full confidence in Major General Makgato, and we trust that his leadership will enhance efficiency and maintain stability with crime intelligence.”
Commenting on the recent accusations of wrongdoing levelled at Police Minister Senzo Mchunu by KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, General Masemola acknowledged the negative impact of the public spat, but said he was deferring the matter to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The recent revelations of division and other serious allegations within our ranks have struck at the heart of the South African Police Service and, indeed, the heart of our nation’s trust,” said General Masemola.
“Let me be unequivocal, the current state of affairs is unprecedented, concerning, unfortunate and requires uncompromised intervention, to restore public trust and stability in the organisation.
“We acknowledge and fully welcome the commitment made by his excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa; to elevate and prioritise this matter on his return from international travel.”
When Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi made the shocking allegations at the weekend President Ramaphosa was away in Brazil, where he was attending the BRICS summit.
“We are ready to brief the President and wish to undoubtably reaffirm the operational independence of the SAPS, and the resolve to uphold the constitution of the Republic and enforce the law, according to Section 205(3) of the South African constitution outlines the core functions of the SAPS,” said General Masemola.
“These functions include preventing, combating, and investigating crime; maintaining public order; protecting and securing inhabitants and their property; and upholding and enforcing the law.
“Essentially, it defines the broad mandate of the police force in South Africa.”
The National Commissioner said he was mandated by the constitution to control and manage the police service in accordance with the national policing policy and the directions of the Cabinet member responsible for policing.
“This means the National Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall management of the police force, while adhering to national policy guidelines and directives from the Minister of Police that are consistent to the section 205 (3) of the constitution as stated above,” General Masemola said.
“I stand before you today not to dwell on divisions, but to forge unity.
“I pledge to you, the people of South Africa, and to every dedicated member of this service, that we will strive for unity in the police service. Together, we will root out any force, internal or external, that seeks to fracture us or compromise our sacred duty.
“The SAPS is not factional property; it is the guardian of every South African’s safety and security.
“Our focus, our unity, and our unwavering commitment must be singular; it is to serve and protect the citizens of this country.
“That is our covenant, and that is the resolve you see burning brightly here today as we conclude the firearm destruction.”
He said the provincial breakdown of the 8 777 firearms destroyed was as follows:
- Gauteng: 5 099
- Western Cape: 2 333
- KwaZulu-Natal: 1 574
- Eastern Cape: 1 432
- Free State: 460
- Mpumalanga: 519
- Limpopo: 343
- North West: 417
- Northern Cape: 322
General Masemola said firearms remain the weapon of choice in violent crimes, including murder and attempted murder.
He said the national gun destruction tally between April 2019 and July 2025 was 292 092.
In February this year, 16 049 firearms were destroyed.
“Each firearm destroyed represents a potential life saved, a family spared from grief, and a community fortified against chaos,” stated General Masemola.
