Investigators working on the murder case of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart have been placed under 24-hour police protection after receiving a series of threats and intimidation attempts, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.
Testifying before the commission, Witness A, a detective attached to the SAPS Organised Crime Unit in Gauteng, revealed that a group of 10 officers has been assigned specifically to protect members of the investigative team. He said the threats began shortly after several suspects — including a police officer — were arrested in connection with Swart’s killing.
According to Witness A, the detectives now live in safe houses and are accompanied by security whenever they travel. “We are no longer safe in our homes or at work,” he told the commission.
“We have to carry the docket with us wherever we go. Our safety cannot be guaranteed.”
Part of Witness A’s testimony was held in camera to protect his identity. The public could hear his voice but not see his face, a precaution taken due to the sensitivity and risk associated with the case.
The intimidation reportedly began during the first court appearance of the accused at the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court. Witness A said the team of investigators was “shocked” by the large show of support for the accused, which included individuals believed to be police officers from Johannesburg Central, dressed in civilian clothing.
“We were surprised by the support shown for the accused, especially Warrant Officer Michael Pule Tau,” said Witness A.
“The courtroom was packed. During recess, one individual tried to take pictures of the five detectives working on the case. We reported the incident, and it was dealt with.”
Swart, an employee at a Vereeniging engineering firm, was shot dead in April 2024 after alleged hitmen mistook him for his boss. The company had reportedly uncovered a 4,650% overpricing scheme on small engineering parts supplied to Transnet, raising suspicions that the murder may have been linked to a corruption cover-up.
The accused in the case are Warrant Officer Michael Pule Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tiego Floyd Mabusela. They were later joined by businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, who was allegedly implicated as the mastermind behind the hit through cellphone data downloaded from Tau’s phone. Molefe is also out on R400,000 bail in connection with the murder of musician DJ Sumbody.
Witness A said that following the first court appearance, the team’s unmarked state vehicles were followed by cars believed to belong to the accused’s supporters.
“They tried to drive us off the road on our way back from court,” he testified.
“We communicated with each other and decided to take an alternative route — the Old Vereeniging Road. The vehicles continued to follow us but eventually backed off.”
The detective said the incident left the entire investigative team fearful for their lives, prompting the police management to deploy specialised protection units and relocate officers involved in the case.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, established earlier this year, is investigating allegations of corruption, organised crime, and intimidation within law enforcement linked to politically sensitive and high-profile cases.
The commission heard that the intimidation of detectives has become a growing concern in major organised crime investigations, particularly those implicating corrupt police officers and business figures.
The inquiry will continue hearing testimony from additional witnesses this week, including senior officials from the Hawks and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).