Madlanga Commission: Hawks officer sheds light on Molefe's arrest interference claims

A third witness has taken the stand at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday, another officer from the Hawks presenting evidence amid serious allegations against the elite unit.

Captain Barry Kruger, who serves under the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Unit, is currently testifying before the commission. Kruger is providing further details about the Hawks' presence during the arrest of alleged criminal Katiso "KT" Molefe in December last year.

The Hawks are accused of trying to obstruct the Political Killings Task Team from arresting Molefe during a "takedown" operation at his Sandton home.

ALSO READ: Hawks boss confirms sending officers to verify validity of raid on ‘KT’ Molefe’s home

Earlier on Wednesday, the head of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Division, Brigadier Lesiba Mokoena, told the Madlanga Commission that he had sent Captain Barry Kruger to Molefe's home on 6 December 2024.

Mokoena testified that he deployed Kruger to verify claims that individuals posing as Hawks officers were attempting to obstruct Molefe's arrest.

Kruger told the commission that he did not know the house belonged to Molefe, but went there on his superior’s instruction after being informed that fake Hawks officers might be interfering with the operation.

"I got a phone call from my brigadier Mokoena informing me that I had to go to an address I did not know in Sandhurst, Johannesburg, to verify if there was a legitimate police operation underway there – as people were saying they are from the Hawks and it wasn’t our team that was involved there," Kruger stated.

The Hawks find themselves in the hot seat following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claims that former Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya attempted to prevent Molefe’s arrest.

JOIN US ON WHATSAPP

Stay ahead of the story: Join our WhatsApp channel today.

Want breaking news at your fingertips, the moment it happens? Our WhatsApp Channel is the fastest way to stay connected with the stories that matter most.

From breaking news alerts to exclusive stories, analysis and must-read features - you’ll get it all directly on your phone.

Joining is simple.

Just click Follow on our WhatsApp Channel and stay informed.