Two men back in court over killing of SA Air Force sergeant Michael Swanton

Two men are due in court again today (Wednesday) in connection with the fatal shooting of South African Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton.

Thabang Eugene Sohole and Michael Makampe are facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

On 28 January, Swanton and his wife were allegedly forced off the road by an unmarked vehicle, with the men later identified as the driver and bodyguard of Madibeng mayor Douglas Maimane.

Swanton was shot and killed, according to the accused, who later handed themselves in, because they believed he was going to hijack them.

The incident has raised serious questions about VIP protection units and the so-called 'blue light mafia'.

“It's something that's been happening with impunity for quite some years,” says Ian Cameron, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police.

ALSO READ: DA calls for reallocation of R2bn VIP protection budget

Cameron says his own investigations revealed that neither of the two accused is employed by any private security outfit.

"Neither of them is registered at the Madibeng Municipality for whom they claim to work as law enforcement officers."

This then leads to questions about the capacity in which they were carrying firearms, says Cameron.

"To add insult to injury, it seems the firearms are then registered to the municipality, so one must ask, 'What controls are there really at Madibeng with law enforcement of traffic firearms?'"

Cameron questions what mandate the men had to pull over Swanton and his wife.

He also suggests that Madibeng mayor Douglas Maimane ought to be arrested and charged as an accessory to the crimes.

"In this case, they first took the Mayor home, then they changed vehicles to drive to the police station to hand themselves over."

ALSO READ: Mashatile’s VIP protection officers acquitted by SAPS: 'I feel embarrassed on their behalf' – Ian Cameron

To listen to Cameron in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below: