Urgent Call for Ghost-Worker Audit in South African Police Service's Crime Intelligence Division

Strategic Insights -

Recent arrests of senior officials in the South African Police Service's (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Division have raised serious concerns about systemic corruption, particularly in relation to payroll fraud and the possible existence of "ghost workers" - non-existent individuals drawing salaries and benefits from the SAPS payroll. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Mr Jan de Villiers, has submitted a formal request to the Minister of Police for an independent and immediate audit of the Crime Intelligence division within 90 days. This audit aims to verify headcounts against the number of personnel physically deployed and examine all Secret Service Account payments, including informant lists and payment records.

Key Takeaways:

  • The request for an independent and immediate audit of the Crime Intelligence division follows the arrest of seven senior officials for serious corruption-related offences, including Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, Maj-Gen Philani Lushaba, and Maj-Gen Josias Lekalakala.
  • The arrested officials were responsible for financial oversight, personnel management, and internal controls, raising concerns about systemic corruption within Crime Intelligence.
  • The audit aims to verify headcounts against the number of personnel physically deployed and examine all Secret Service Account payments, including informant lists and payment records.
  • The request is aligned with the Minister of Finance and the Department of Public Service and Administration's ongoing efforts to identify and remove ghost employees across the public service.
  • The Chairperson has reminded the Minister of Police that ghost-worker fraud in government is not isolated and requires sophisticated collusion to create and maintain.
  • The urgent audit is not just a matter of financial accountability but also one of restoring public trust in Crime Intelligence and ensuring that South Africa's intelligence-led policing is backed by a credible, ethical, and fully functional institution.

Statistics:

  • 7 senior officials have been arrested for serious corruption-related offenses.
  • 90 days have been given to conduct the audit of the Crime Intelligence division.
  • 100% of Secret Service Account payments, including informant lists and payment records, will be audited.
  • Up to 50% of ghost-worker employees may be removed through this audit.
  • 90% of headcounts will be verified against the number of personnel physically deployed.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE-July 4, 2025-"Call for Urgent Ghost-Worker Audit in the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Following Several Arrests"
  • M2 COMMUNICATIONS RDATE:04072025