A high-ranking investigator told the Madlanga Commission that suspended Hawks chief Godfrey Lebeya provided the residential location of alleged crime figure Katiso Molefe before police executed a controversial December 2023 arrest. Divisional commander Dumisani Mbotho said Lebeya telephoned him that afternoon, asking about a supposed unauthorized operation in Sandton and mentioned receiving information about fake officers at an unspecified property. Lebeya then shared the address where authorities later detained Molefe for allegedly ordering the killing of engineer Armand Swart.
The commission is examining whether law enforcement officials improperly intervened during the arrest carried out by a KwaZulu-Natal task force investigating political murders. Multiple agencies arrived at the scene, creating what observers called chaotic conditions that may have aided the suspect. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned why Mbotho never asked his superior about the anonymous tipster's identity, highlighting potential procedural failures.
Molefe faces murder and conspiracy charges related to taxi industry violence and maintains family connections to suspended Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya through marriage. The inquiry established in August seeks to expose corruption and political meddling within South African justice institutions.
The commission is examining whether law enforcement officials improperly intervened during the arrest carried out by a KwaZulu-Natal task force investigating political murders. Multiple agencies arrived at the scene, creating what observers called chaotic conditions that may have aided the suspect. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned why Mbotho never asked his superior about the anonymous tipster's identity, highlighting potential procedural failures.
Molefe faces murder and conspiracy charges related to taxi industry violence and maintains family connections to suspended Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya through marriage. The inquiry established in August seeks to expose corruption and political meddling within South African justice institutions.
