Former Hawks boss Major-General Godfrey Lebeya has come under intense questioning at the Madlanga Commission over allegations involving suspected criminal networks, the arrest of Katiso “KT” Molefe and the handling of sensitive investigations.
Taking the stand on Thursday, Lebeya firmly denied knowing Molefe and rejected claims that he deployed Hawks officers to disrupt Molefe’s arrest in Sandton two years ago.
The arrest operation involved several law-enforcement agencies. Questions were later raised about the presence and conduct of Hawks members at the scene.
Lebeya told the commission that he received a call from Johannesburg businessman Malcolm X after concerns emerged that some individuals at the scene were claiming to be DPCI officers acting on his instructions.
He said he ordered two senior managers to establish who the officers were and whether they had genuinely been sent by him.
Lebeya’s testimony also turned to the sensitive Phala Phala farm theft investigation.
He said private investigator Paul O’Sullivan contacted him seeking an update on the investigation, which was classified at the time.
Lebeya said he refused to disclose the requested information because of its classified nature.
The former Hawks boss further told the commission that O’Sullivan later brought a legal challenge against his appointment to lead the DPCI. The challenge was unsuccessful.
During questioning, Lebeya said O’Sullivan told him he was with his friend, Dr Benjani Chauke, when he called about the Phala Phala case.
Lebeya retired from the Hawks in May last year and is now providing evidence on his experiences within South Africa’s law-enforcement structures.
His appearance before the commission is expected to face further scrutiny as investigators examine allegations of corruption, political interference and links between criminal figures and law-enforcement officials.