Witness A gives details into Molefe arrest, Transnet tender documents, hawks interference
Witness A continued his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, providing a detailed account of the December 6 operation that led to the arrest of Katiso “KT” Molefe.
Molefe is accused of orchestrating the 2024 murder of Transnet whistleblower Armand Swart.
The operation also targeted Molefe’s nephew, Lucky Molefe, who worked for Transnet and was responsible for procurement, as well as another unknown suspect.
During the raid on Molefe’s home, authorities discovered numerous documents, including Transnet tender forms with multiple signatures, suggesting repeated practices related to procurement.
Witness A said Molefe told investigators that the documents belonged to Lucky Molefe and his son.
The operation encountered unusual interference from senior police units.
Witness A testified that members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), or Hawks, attempted to gain access to the property and demanded case details.
Witness A explained that he told the Hawks the operation was legitimate and that they were executing a J50.
He described the interference as unusual for the unit.
The arrest operation escalated when a helicopter hovered over Molefe’s property for approximately ten minutes.
Witness A said this prompted the team to request reinforcements, signaling the high-profile nature of the suspect.
The pilot was identified as Inspector George Raftopolis of Gauteng Traffic Police, who stated he was acting on instructions from a DPCI colonel to investigate claims of bogus police at the scene.
Molefe was found armed with a side pistol, and the person with him, identified as Lehasa Moloi, also had firearms. Both were disarmed, and firearms licenses were verified.
Witness A confirmed that Molefe cooperated and consented to a search of the house, which included signing consent forms for law enforcement to access his electronic devices.
Witness A highlighted the high-level attention surrounding the arrest.
Colonel Mokoena relayed that suspended Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya wanted details about the arrest, expressing concern over why Molefe was not detained locally.
Witness A said, “I understood that Mokoena was getting pressure from Sibiya,” emphasizing the influence Molefe was perceived to have within the police hierarchy.
During the operation, Molefe’s lawyer, Thami Radebe, requested access to him, but Witness A said all visits were controlled, allowing only immediate family, the lawyer, and a priest.
Lucky Molefe remains at large, with a warrant issued in connection to the Swart murder. Witness B is expected to provide further details on Lucky’s involvement.
Witness A also described the connections and influence of Molefe.
He said Molefe was part of a group of five individuals with interests in North West mining and had ties through friends to high-ranking police officials.
Major-General Richard Shibiri, head of the Organised Crime Unit, repeatedly warned Witness A about Molefe and his associates, stressing the need for caution in the Swart investigation.
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