Pretoria – Former Hawks boss Godfrey Lebeya has denied knowing alleged crime figure Katiso “KT” Molefe and rejected claims that he instructed police officers to interfere with Molefe’s arrest in Sandton in 2024.
Lebeya made the denial while testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Thursday, as he responded to allegations surrounding a December 2024 police operation in Sandton.
The former Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) national head said he had never been contacted by Molefe and had not instructed Hawks members to disrupt a legitimate police operation.
“I do not know Mr Katiso Molefe. I was not contacted by Mr Katiso Molefe. I was contacted by Malcolm X,” Lebeya told the commission.
He said he subsequently instructed two senior managers to establish whether people claiming to be DPCI members had been sent to the scene on his instructions.
“I directed two senior managers to verify the allegations of persons who were said to be claiming to be members of the DPCI and to have been sent by me,” he said.
Lebeya maintained that he had never ordered Hawks officers to interfere with an operation.
[WATCH] Former Hawks head Dr Godfrey Lebeya says he does not know Katiso Molefe. He also denies that Molefe contacted him during a police operation at his home. However, he says he was contacted by Malcolm X. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/xqtix2bNDu
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 27, 2026
“I have never instructed the members of the DPCI to interrupt a legitimate police operation,” he said.
The former Hawks chief also disputed the suggestion that he had been responsible for creating the circumstances that led to the alleged interference.
He said the situation could have been avoided if he had been informed about the operation or if those who became aware of Hawks officers at the scene had checked with him.
Lebeya described the atmosphere during the incident as confrontational, saying the presence of different police units could have resulted in unintended consequences, including the possibility of friendly fire.
He also addressed the legal framework governing the Hawks and its independence from other police structures.
The DPCI was established through an amendment to the South African Police Service Act in 2008 and became operational in February 2009.
Lebeya explained that the structure and reporting lines of the Hawks were later changed following concerns about its independence.
Under the amended legislation, the national head of the DPCI became accountable to the Minister of Police, while provincial heads reported to the national head.
The testimony comes as the Madlanga Commission continues to examine allegations involving senior police officials and alleged criminal networks.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@GovernmentZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
