The Madlanga Commission resumes proceedings today after a day of intense testimony that shed new light on the Hawks’ involvement in the arrest of murder-accused businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe.
The inquiry, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating alleged collusion and corruption involving police officials, politicians, prosecutors, and intelligence operatives.
The commission heard on Wednesday that a Hawks operation, which saw a Gauteng Traffic Police helicopter hovering over Molefe’s Sandhurst residence during his arrest, was not officially recorded in the unit’s operation logs.
Brigadier Lesiba “Kleintjie” Mokoena, head of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section, and Captain Barry Kruger testified that the unregistered operation was triggered as an “emergency response” after claims surfaced that unidentified officers were carrying out an illegal raid at the property.
Mokoena told the commission he was instructed by Lieutenant-General Patrick Mbotho, the Hawks’ acting deputy national head, to verify the legitimacy of the operation.
“He said he was approached by [then Hawks head] Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, who received a call that members claiming to be from the Hawks were conducting an illegal operation,” Mokoena testified.
Kruger, who was assigned to check the operation, said he created a WhatsApp group to coordinate with other law enforcement units and even contacted Chief Inspector George Raftopoulos of the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing for assistance.
The commission was told that despite these efforts, several unidentified men wearing Hawks-branded golf shirts were found on the scene — and none could be accounted for in the official records.
When questioned, Kruger admitted that the team sent to verify the operation was poorly equipped, driving a vehicle with worn tyres and no sirens. He also conceded that he did not contact the nearest police stations to confirm the legitimacy of the operation, saying “he didn’t know” he could do so.
The commission also heard from Captain Maxwell Wanda, a former member of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), who testified that the unrecorded operation had created tension between his team and certain Hawks officers.
Wanda described the Hawks’ presence at Molefe’s home as “deeply troubling,” accusing them of “interfering with an active investigation.”
In another key moment, Wanda told the Madlanga Commission that Molefe’s bodyguard, Lehasa Moloi, had told him that Molefe was a “friend of the Minister of Police.” When Wanda asked if he meant the then-suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu, Moloi confirmed it.
“I did not press further, but I found the statement concerning,” Wanda said .
The revelation adds to growing speculation about political interference in police operations. Mchunu was placed on special leave in July 2025 pending an investigation into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The commission is expected to continue hearing testimony from senior police officials and intelligence officers today, as it seeks to clarify the origin and purpose of the disputed operation.
The Madlanga Commission proceedings are being streamed live and can be viewed below.
