Security 'capture' scandal rocks UKZN

PARLIAMENT'S Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has revealed shocking governance failures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where a private security company allegedly "captured" the university's Risk Management Services.

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A former employee facing disciplinary charges reportedly returned to control campus security operations, raising serious concerns about student safety and financial irregularities.

Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie made the finding during an oversight visit to the university’s Westville campus on October 9, describing what he called a “shocking collapse of governance” within UKZN’s internal security operations.

At the heart of the scandal is Ungoti Security Company, a little-known firm with alleged ties to senior figures inside the university.

According to Letsie, Ungoti’s rise inside UKZN’s security structure was no coincidence.

The committee heard that Bhekithemba Lovemore Khumalo, a former UKZN employee who resigned while facing disciplinary charges, resurfaced at the university as a consultant through Ungoti and later became de facto head of RMS.

"Khumalo resigned amid disciplinary action, but the university brought him back through the same company he now directs," Letsie said.

"Years later, he still runs RMS despite not being a formal employee. It's deeply irregular."

Letsie said Khumalo's continued presence, coupled with the lack of transparency around Ungoti's appointment, points to a security division operating "outside of normal governance and accountability structures".

The irregularities, however, do not end there. The committee also raised the case of Richard Nkosi, the head of RMS at the Howard College campus. Nkosi, previously employed by Ungoti, allegedly does not meet the qualifications required for his role and, like Khumalo, is not on the university's payroll.

Parliament's delegation expressed disbelief that a university of UKZN's stature could entrust campus security, a critical function linked to student and staff safety, to what Letsie described as "an untraceable company with no credible track record in the security sector".