Police raid SAPS-linked properties in probe into Mfazi death
Police conducted raids on Monday at multiple properties linked to South African Police Service members in Centurion as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of former Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi.
Mfazi died in July 2021, with his death initially attributed to COVID-19-related complications. However, new developments have emerged suggesting he may have been assassinated, allegedly through poisoning.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed on Monday that search and seizure operations are underway, targeting several locations as investigators intensify efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mfazi's death.
"We have raided four premises today, two offices and two residential properties, and we are currently interviewing a person of interest."
She declined to disclose the identities of those being questioned or the exact locations of the raids, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.
"I wouldn't want to divulge names or the identities of these persons of interest; the investigation is very delicate and ongoing."
Mathe confirmed that electronic devices had been seized during the operations as investigators work to corroborate evidence gathered over several years.
"They have seized a number of electronic gadgets to corroborate the evidence that they've gathered since July 2021."
The case has since evolved into a full-scale murder investigation, following new evidence uncovered after Mfazi's death. According to Mathe, the turning point came when the general’s family raised concerns about the official cause of death.
"At the time, his death was ruled as COVID-19-related complications, as he had tested positive. However, the family later approached the National Commissioner with information suggesting he may have been killed."
This prompted authorities to reopen the case, leading to the exhumation of Mfazi's body and further forensic analysis.
"After the body was exhumed and examined, a poisonous substance was found, and the case was then changed into a murder investigation," Mathe confirmed.
The investigation is being handled by a specialised team, including the SAPS Cold Case Unit, which has been piecing together evidence over the past several years.
While speculation has emerged around possible motives, including Mfazi's involvement in high-level investigations within SAPS, police have cautioned against drawing conclusions at this stage.
"We cannot outline the motive at this point. The evidence will lead us as to why anyone would want Lieutenant-General Mfazi killed," Mathe said.
Mfazi, who headed both the detective service and crime intelligence, was involved in several sensitive investigations at the time of his death, raising questions about whether his work could have made him a target.
Despite this, Mathe stressed that investigators are focused on evidence rather than speculation.
"The team is on the right track and believes it has gathered enough evidence but we are not going to be drawn into speculation."
Police have indicated that more raids could follow as part of ongoing operations, with additional persons of interest expected to be questioned.
"They are yet to hit other addresses, investigations are ongoing, and further breakthroughs are expected," Mathe added.
Authorities say their priority is to ensure justice and provide closure to Mfazi's family after years of uncertainty.
"Our goal now is to provide the necessary closure to the family, given the length of time it has taken to reach this stage," Mathe said.
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