A chilling tale of corruption and murder is unfolding in Gauteng, as the Madlanga Commission investigates political interference in policing. The focus is on the murder of Armand Swart, a Vereeniging engineer believed to be a whistleblower on overpriced tenders at Transnet. What started as a murder investigation has revealed a potential web of organised crime within the Johannesburg Central police station.
Johannesburg Detective Implicated in Hit
An anonymous police investigator, known only as Witness A, has testified that Detective Michael Pule Tau is allegedly linked to the murder. Witness A claims Tau was in constant contact with Katiso Molefe, a suspect in the murder, exchanging the victim's work address. The pair reportedly used burner phones and Tau allegedly visited Molefe's house the night before Swart was shot 23 times.
Witness A further testified that after the murder, Tau allegedly sent Molefe a text message reassuring him that the hit was successful. This evidence paints a disturbing picture of police involvement in organised crime.
Bribes and Dangerous Connections
The Madlanga Commission also heard testimony about alleged attempts to bribe investigators and officials to secure bail for the suspects. Witness A stated that Major General Richard Shibiri warned the investigation team that the arrested men were connected to “dangerous people,” including the late notorious taxi owner Jonathan “King Mswazi” Msibi. Allegedly, envelopes containing bribe money were being offered to investigating officers, the magistrate, and the prosecutor.
Whistleblower Targeted?
Further complicating the case, Witness A revealed that the ongoing investigation has identified another individual as the intended whistleblower target, not Swart. The true target was a colleague of Swart's who reported corruption at Transnet. This suggests Swart was a victim of mistaken identity in a hit meant for someone else involved in exposing corruption.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with Witness B expected to provide further details. The case highlights the urgent need to address corruption within the police force and ensure the safety of whistleblowers who risk their lives to expose wrongdoing.
- Investigation reveals potential police corruption in Armand Swart murder.
- Detective Michael Pule Tau implicated in alleged hit.
- Bribes offered for suspects' release, linked to dangerous individuals.
- Swart may have been a victim of mistaken identity.