Madlanga Commission hears how cops would deter investigators of Swart's murder

A witness from organised crime has testified before the Madlanga Commission on how the team investigating the murder of Vereeniging engineer, Armand Swart, was briefed about the push-back they would receive from police.

Witness 'A' - presented the evidence on Monday morning, while testifying partially in-camera.

Due to risks posed to his safety, Witness A - who is currently testifying from a safe house in an undisclosed location - is testifying with his voice being broadcast but his face being hidden.

Witness A has testified how the murder of Swart, was the start of unravelling the big five criminal syndicate in Gauteng.

He testified that upon arresting three of the initial suspects in connection with Swart’s murder - including police officer, Michael Pule Tau - the investigators were briefed by organised crime head, Major General Richard Shibiri.

Shibiri told the team that those arrested were linked to notorious taxi boss, Jothan Msibi, otherwise known as “Mswati” who died in January last year.

“Mswati was a person that was widely known as a taxi owner and was a ruthless someone in terms of killings.”

Shibiri allegedly also confirmed that the accused had links to someone in the hawks only known as “Zungu”.

“There’s is a lot of resistance and interference that we are going to get from the police in terms of our investigations. And that he also wants us to take care and look after ourselves.”

Shibiri allegedly told the team that there were three envelopes “floating around” for those involved in the matter to ensure the accused get bail.