A key witness testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has raised questions over possible interference during the arrest of controversial businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, saying he found it “strange” that a Hawks member requested a case number while Organised Crime detectives were leading the operation.
Testifying under the pseudonym Witness A, the detective from the SAPS Organised Crime Unit said Molefe’s arrest in December 2024 was marked by unusual activity and apparent attempts to obstruct the operation.
Molefe, who is linked to the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart, was arrested at his Sandhurst home in Johannesburg. Swart was gunned down in April 2024 after alleged hitmen reportedly mistook him for his employer.
Witness A told the commission that a traffic police helicopter was seen hovering low over Molefe’s property during the arrest, creating confusion and heightening security fears.
“Can we get protection? Because on that one, I really asked for protection. I thought we’d have a problem here. We had TRT [Tactical Response Team] officers giving us protection, but when I saw the helicopter above, I knew we could be outnumbered because these people were now airborne,” he said.
According to the witness, the detectives — working with the TRT — encountered resistance from individuals at Molefe’s residence.
“We were informed that our officers were being surrounded by an armed person who was with the suspect. They also reported that a JMPD officer had arrived at the scene,” Witness A said.
He added that the situation forced the detectives to rush to the property to prevent further escalation.
Molefe, who has been linked via cellphone evidence to the planning of Swart’s murder, is also out on R400,000 bail in connection with the murder of popular musician DJ Sumbody.
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence into alleged corruption, intimidation, and misconduct within law enforcement related to high-profile criminal investigations.