The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has intensified scrutiny over the initiation and handling of an investigation into Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo, following testimony from IDAC investigator Brian Padayachee.

During hearings, Padayachee admitted to being unable to explain the original referral that triggered the probe, prompting Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to criticize the lack of foundational evidence.Legal opinion from SAPS Legal Services highlighted insufficient evidence to support criminal charges, citing vague and limited information.Padayachee defended the investigation, arguing that further inquiries were necessary despite the legal opinion.

The commission emphasized focusing on allegations specifically tied to Khumalo's vetting file, which stems from affidavits by National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams.

Concerns remain over the investigation's direction, with commissioners questioning the prioritization of security clearance issues over legal compliance checks.

The probe also involves other senior SAPS officials linked to separate criminal matters, raising questions about the scope and legitimacy of the inquiry.