Johannesburg — A veteran police investigator, known only as Witness A, broke down in tears on Tuesday at the Madlanga Commission, concluding his two-day testimony that revealed a web of corruption, organised crime, and life-threatening risks within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Witness A, who investigated criminal cartels, testified about the investigation into the April 17, 2024, murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart, now confirmed as a case of mistaken identity.
Swart was allegedly killed in a botched hit targeting a Transnet whistleblower. Underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe and senior police officials were implicated in obstructing justice.
Even after being placed under 24-hour protection along with colleague Witness B, Witness A insisted he would “do it again in the next life.”
[WATCH] The organised crimes unit detective who’s been making submissions at the #MadlangaCommission under the pseudonym, witness A, has concluded his testimony. He reflected on the dangers faced by officers who resist corruption within the police service. @ZiyandaNgcobo has… pic.twitter.com/pL3tiMXrsx
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 22, 2025
He told the commission: “I have met the families of the victims and when I speak to them, they are grateful for the work that we are doing as a team. Even those families where arrests have not yet been made, they appreciate that someone is working on the case to bring justice to their loved ones. The satisfaction that I am making a difference. Eish….”
Witness A also warned: “If change does not happen soon, we are doomed as a nation,” adding, “I hope that my evidence, in the face of real and present danger to my life, will contribute to a change in the police service or at least the beginning of a positive change.”
He praised KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s July 6 media briefing as “the best thing that ever happened to South Africa,” saying it exposed “deep-rooted corruption and political interference” and gave hope to grieving families.
Witness A recounted the assassination of a close colleague in Soweto and revealed attempts by suspects, including Molefe, to bribe their way out of prosecution.
He alleged General Richard Shibiri of the National Organised Crime Unit suggested offering “three envelopes” to a magistrate, prosecutor, and investigating officers.
Witness A has now concluded his testimony.
Witness B is expected to take the stand at 9:30 this morning.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
