Chaos Surrounds Investigation into Kidnapping of Businessman Jerry Boshoga
The investigation into the kidnapping of businessman Jerry Boshoga is ongoing, following the controversial reassignment of the case's docket without the knowledge of National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. This unexpected turn has raised concerns regarding the procedures within South African Police Service (SAPS).
During testimony before the Ad Hoc Committee, Dumisani Khumalo, head of Crime Intelligence, explained the difficulties encountered by the investigative team. “During that time, the team was working on the case as instructed by the national commissioner. Soon after the (December 6, 2024) operation, that case was reallocated by Deputy National Commissioner, General Sibiya, to another team,” he stated.
Khumalo noted that this decision, made by Sibiya, occurred during what he described as a "chaotic moment." The Dust had barely settled from a raid at the residence of Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a tenderpreneur facing attempted murder charges, when the reallocation of the docket took place. The Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operation, aided by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), had executed the raid on the same day as another operation tied to the murder case of DJ Somebody.
“The team that was initially assigned to the Boshoga kidnapping had been at an advanced stage when there was a take-down operation,” Khumalo elaborated. However, this change in investigative teams was not endorsed by Masemola. Instead, Khumalo revealed that no one had ever explained why the initial team was withdrawn, saying, “There has never been an explanation.”
When pressed about whether such actions by Sibiya were standard practice, Khumalo expressed doubt, stating, “One would always presume the instruction from the national deputy commissioner is something discussed with the national commissioner.” His comments prompted MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo to label Sibiya's actions as “extraordinary,” adding that it was “the unprecedented.”
Khumalo later reported to Masemola that the docket had been transferred, leaving the original investigative team disbanded. “That happened during this most confusing and busiest period, where issues were taking place. It took long for the national commissioner to re-assign the investigation to the team,” he admitted. He could not specify how long this process took but confirmed it extended across several months, saying, “It took long, but I don’t have a specific time. It took a few months for it to be corrected.”
The head of Crime Intelligence added that he expects a thorough analysis of the docket from the team based on the work completed before the reassignment. As the investigation continues, Khumalo's concern for clarity and discipline within the SAPS has become increasingly apparent.
The December 6 operation at Matlala's residence was described by Khumalo as a “surprise search operation,” necessary to gather evidence before it could potentially vanish. Supported by the Special Task Force, the team acted on information suggesting urgent risks. “We were conducting a lawful search without a warrant based on the information we had, which was on the verge of disappearing if we did not act,” he explained.
During the operation, authorities found that Matlala was not compliant with the Firearm Control Act, seizing four firearms and five cellphones to support the ongoing investigation into Boshoga’s kidnapping.
As the complexities surrounding this high-profile case unfold, the implications of these organisational challenges raise critical questions for SAPS’s operational structure and its capacity to manage vital investigations effectively. The case remains under scrutiny, and the public awaits further developments in the investigation, which continues to be a focal point for law enforcement transparency and accountability in South Africa.
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