Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is shocked that the Chief Financial Officer of Crime Intelligence, Major General Philani Lushaba, currently out on bail for severe charges including perjury, corruption, and defeating the ends of justice, has allegedly not only entered Crime Intelligence premises but has also met with the National Commissioner of Police. This is an absolute scandal that strikes at the very heart of our criminal justice system.
This is not a mere oversight. it brazenly undermines the rule of law. The bail conditions were explicitly clear and strict for a reason: to protect the integrity of the investigation, to shield witnesses from potential intimidation, and to ensure that an individual charged with serious crimes does not have the opportunity to manipulate the system they are accused of corrupting.
The actions of the General Lushaba constitute a serious violation of his bail conditions. There can be no excuses nor explanation for this. The DA calls for his immediate rearrest. To do anything less would send a catastrophic message that there is one law for ordinary citizens and another for members of the SAPS regardless of the charges they face.
The complicity of the National Commissioner of Police elevates this incident from a simple breach of bail to a potential case of obstruction of justice at the highest level. It is alleged that General Lushaba met with the National Police Commissioner on the 9th of September and again just this morning the 10th of September 2025.
If the Commissioner was simply unaware of the bail conditions of a high-profile individual within his own service, it speaks to a staggering level of incompetence and dereliction of duty. If he was aware, it points to something far more sinister.
The National Commissioner has a constitutional duty to uphold the law, not to facilitate its breach. By hosting this meeting, he has irreparably compromised his position and demonstrated a breathtaking contempt for the legal process he is sworn to protect.
The DA has written to the Minister Firoz Cachalia requesting he immediately acts against the National Commissioner of Police and ensure for the rearrest of Philani Lushaba.
Regards
Dianne Kohler Barnard MP
DA Spokesperson on State Security