Helicopter Operator Testifies at Madlanga Commission Over Sandhurst Arrest

Gauteng Traffic Police Helicopter Operator Takes Stand

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resumed its hearings on Monday morning at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, with witnesses shedding light on the dramatic takedown of Katiso “KT” Molefe, the alleged Big 5 cartel kingpin, at his luxurious Sandhurst residence last year.

At the center of Monday’s session was Chief Provincial Inspector George Raftopoulos, the helicopter operator deployed to hover over Molefe’s property during his arrest on December 6, 2024. Raftopoulos provided a firsthand account of the aerial support operations conducted alongside the Gauteng Counterintelligence Operations Unit (GCIOPS) and the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

The Arrest That Captivated Gauteng

Molefe’s arrest followed a high-profile investigation into the murder of engineer Armand Swart, gunned down outside his Vereeniging workplace on April 17, 2024. Swart’s death triggered intensified action against the Big 5 cartel, which police allege Molefe played a leading role in.

Raftopoulos’ testimony highlighted the meticulous coordination required to track and contain Molefe, who reportedly maintained heavy security and surveillance at his multimillion-rand home.

Political Shadows Over the Case

Last week, the commission heard testimony suggesting political entanglements at the highest levels of SAPS. Several witnesses linked suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to underworld figures, including Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Molefe himself.

One witness, identified as Witness C, claimed to have secretly funded Mchunu’s presidential ambitions via ANC events, funneling hundreds of thousands of rands into campaigns.

“Matlala said Mchunu had presidential ambitions. He didn’t believe Mchunu would win, but he was afraid to discourage him,” Witness C told the commission.

The allegations suggest the possible infiltration of political and police structures by organized crime figures, a thread the commission is carefully unraveling.

Parliamentary Oversight Continues

The Madlanga Commission is not operating in isolation. Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing SAPS corruption is set to reconvene on Tuesday, promising additional evidence and witness statements that could deepen scrutiny into the ties between law enforcement and criminal networks.

Public attention remains keen, with analysts noting that this inquiry could redefine accountability standards for both politicians and police officers in Gauteng. Social media has been abuzz with discussions around Molefe’s arrest, the helicopter deployment, and the growing allegations of corruption within SAPS.

A City Watching Closely

For residents of Johannesburg, particularly in affluent enclaves like Sandhurst, the hearings reinforce the sense that organized crime and political intrigue are closer to home than imagined. The Madlanga Commission continues to piece together a complex puzzle, balancing operational secrecy with the public’s right to know the truth.

As the week unfolds, Raftopoulos’ testimony and others like it may be key to understanding not just the Molefe arrest, but the wider intersections of crime, politics, and policing in Gauteng.

{Source: IOL}

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