Prison Visit Raises Fresh Questions As Nkhwashu Testifies At Madlanga Commission

A routine prison visit has turned into a focal point of scrutiny, after suspended brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu confirmed under oath that he personally delivered clothes to a murder accused at the centre of a high-profile case.

Appearing before the Madlanga Commission, Nkhwashu acknowledged visiting Groenpunt Correctional Services to assist Katiso “KT” Molefe, who stands accused of orchestrating the killing of engineer Armand Swart. But he was quick to push back against any suggestion that the visit pointed to a deeper or inappropriate relationship.

A Visit That Raised Eyebrows

According to Nkhwashu, the visit was not unusual in his view. He said he went to the facility at the request of Fundiswa Nyangule, whom he described as close family and Molefe’s wife.

He told the commission that he followed protocol from the moment he arrived.

Nkhwashu said he identified himself to correctional officials and explained his purpose. While he was allowed to hand over clothing, he was not permitted to leave food due to prison regulations.

He insisted that he complied fully with the rules and left shortly afterwards.

Despite this, the visit did not go unnoticed. Correctional officials later flagged the incident, triggering further questions about why a senior police officer would involve himself in the personal affairs of an accused individual in such a serious case.

Denials Of Interference

At the heart of the commission’s work is whether there was any interference in the investigation into Swart’s killing. Nkhwashu firmly denied any wrongdoing.

He dismissed allegations that he had tried to access or influence the case docket, saying he would never jeopardise a career spanning nearly four decades.

His testimony also touched on claims about his relationship with Molefe. While the accused has denied any family connection, Nkhwashu rejected that version, maintaining that such a denial was not accurate.

A Murder That Shocked Many

The case itself has gripped investigators and the public alike. Armand Swart, a 30-year-old engineer, was gunned down in April 2024 while sitting in his car outside his workplace in Vereeniging.

He was shot 23 times in what investigators believe may have been a case of mistaken identity.

Authorities suspect the real target was a colleague who had exposed alleged corruption linked to inflated contracts at Transnet. If confirmed, it would point to a chilling link between organised crime and attempts to silence whistleblowers.

The Wider Allegations

Molefe is accused of ordering the hit, with police detective Michael Pule Tau allegedly coordinating the operation. Another key figure, Lucky Molefe, is believed to have supplied crucial information tied to the plot.

He remains on the run, with a warrant issued for his arrest.

As the commission continues, Nkhwashu’s admission about the prison visit adds another layer to an already complex case. What may have been presented as a simple act of assistance now sits at the centre of deeper questions about professional boundaries, accountability and the integrity of investigations in South Africa.

For many watching closely, the issue is no longer just about what happened in Vereeniging, but whether the systems meant to deliver justice can withstand the pressure surrounding cases like this.

{Source:IOL}

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