Crime Intelligence Boss, Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, says they have identified five individuals who are part of a cartel that has allegedly penetrated the political sphere.

The ‘Big Five Cartel’, as he terms it, is alleged to have syndicates operating under it.

He says the cartel is operating throughout the country with its headquarters in Gauteng.

Khumalo, who is testifying before the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria, says prominent figures such as Vusumuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala and Katiso Molefe have been identified as members of the ‘Big Five Cartel’.

“The Big Five has already penetrated the political sphere, and there are documented cases of high-profile connections in the political arena, (with) senior politicians alleged to be complicit and or willfully blind to the syndicate operations.”

He also testified that former Police Minister Bheki Cele never gave direct instructions or guidance to the Political Killings Task Team.

Khumalo’s comments come as Cele’s successor, Mchunu has been accused of political interference in the disbandment of the PKTT in December last year.

Mchunu has been placed on leave of absence.