Madlanga Commission told of 'bizarre' irregularities in ballistic exam linked to Armand Swart murder

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been told of "bizarre" irregularities in the ballistic examination linked to the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart.

This was revealed by Captain Solomon Modisane, a senior forensic analyst at the South African Police Service (SAPS), who is currently testifying before the commission.

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Swart was killed in 2024 in what was a case of mistaken identity after his company exposed irregularities in the awarding of a Transnet tender.

Modisane said ballistic tests on the guns linked to Swart’s murder were conducted at two different forensic laboratories - one in Pretoria and another in Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal.

He said that it is highly irregular for ballistic analyses on the same firearms to be conducted in two different laboratories in separate provinces.

"I spoke to warrant officer cadre about this case because, for me, it was bizarre why this case was examined in Pretoria and again in KZN. He advised me that the investigating officers requested that the firearms be examined in Amanzimtoti by an independent analyst."