Swart Murder Case
A police investigator testifying at the Madlanga Commission alleged possible tampering with ballistic reports in the murder of engineer Armand Swart. Witness A said key evidence, including 15 cartridges, was missing from reports. He also claimed senior officers warned investigators as the case linked to organised crime.
A police investigator testifying in the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, identified as Witness A, raised concerns about possible tampering with ballistic reports related to the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart.
Swart, who worked at Q Tech Engineering, was shot and killed outside his workplace in April 2024. His death is believed to have been a targeted shooting linked to organised crime.
Witness A told the commission that there were omissions and inconsistencies in ballistic reports which examined firearms and cartridges connected to the case.
He said the initial report appeared incomplete, and did not make any conclusions on the results.
“The report made no reference to the 15 cartridges, even though we had sent them for analysis.This raised concerns about possible tampering or deliberate omission,” said the witness.
The witness said the omissions affected the effort to determine whether the cartridges linked the Vereeniging crime scene to other incidents, including a Bramley shooting.
Also, he said the inconsistencies suggested that important forensic information may have been left out, which could have impacted the progress of the investigation.
Witness A explained that technical challenges and delays prompted the team to seek assistance from the KZN laboratory.
Earlier in his testimony, Witness A also alleged that senior officers warned investigators to “be careful” with the case, as the firearms involved were linked to numerous shootings and cash-in-transit heists.
The commission heard that the suspects had surveilled Swart’s workplace for several days before the murder, using the same Mercedes-Benz Viano that later became part of the investigation. CCTV footage captured the vehicle near the Q Tech Engineering Company premises multiple times.
Swart was shot and killed on 17 April 2024 while sitting in his car outside his workplace. Two suspects in a white Hyundai i20 opened fire, killing him instantly. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene.
According to Witness A, Tau, Musa Kekana, and Tlego Floyd Mabusela were arrested soon after the incident. Tau was also found to have been in contact with Katiso “KT” Molefe, who is accused of murdering Pretoria nightclub owner Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka, in the days leading up to Swart’s death.
Witness A further told the commission that during a meeting at Major-General Richard Shibiri’s Pretoria office, investigators were warned that the suspects were connected to “very dangerous people,” including the late taxi owner Jothan “King Mswazi” Msibi.
He said Shibiri also mentioned that “three envelopes”, allegedly meant for the investigating officers, the magistrate, and the prosecutor, were “on offer” as the suspects prepared to apply for bail.
The commission will continue to hear evidence from the officer about alleged interference, corruption, and obstruction in criminal investigations.
