Raid on ‘KT’ Molefe’s home 'could’ve resulted in shootout between Hawks, cops'

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard that a tense standoff between members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and the Hawks could have easily escalated into an exchange of gunfire.

Three witnesses testified on Wednesday, providing details of the December raid on alleged underworld boss Katiso “KT” Molefe at his Sandton home. Although the operation was led by the task team, Hawks officers confronted them during the operation.

It is understood that the Hawks had been sent to verify whether the arrest operation was being carried out by legitimate police officers. Two Hawks officers and a member of the PKTT appeared before the commission.

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

As the PKTT was in the process of arresting Molefe, they were taken aback when a group of Hawks officers arrived and began questioning them about their operation.

PKTT member Captain Maxwell Wanda described the Hawks officers as being very aggressive and hostile.

"They came in numbers and the way it happened, the situation wasn’t friendly."

Hawks officer Captain Barry Kruger testified that he was sent by his boss, Brigadier Lesiba Mokoena, to verify whether Molefe’s arrest was a legitimate police operation. But, he too, said it was very tense.

"It could have easily resulted in a shootout between the Hawks and the police. That’s why I put on my buff immediately, and my marked diary in my hand. It was a difficult situation."

The Madlanga Commission will resume Thursday morning.

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