Father of Bevan Loftus denies drug and murder links at Madlanga Commission

Gregory Loftus has told the Madlanga Commission he does not believe his son, the late Bevan Loftus, was involved in drugs or the killing of people. His testimony on Thursday denied allegations that Bevan was a drug dealer and said the family viewed claims about his son’s criminality as a police cover-up.

Father disputes allegations

Giving evidence, Gregory Loftus said:

“As far as I know, he lived from income received from his towing and taxi business”.

He added that, having served in the service, he would have been aware if his son had been involved in drug activity or killings, and said:

“I vehemently dispute those allegations”.

Accusation of a police cover-up

Loftus told the commission the narrative that his son and his friends were involved in drugs was being used by police to justify pursuing him and ultimately killing him.

Context: disputed Durban police operation in 2023

The testimony comes after an IPID witness alleged financial links involving a Hawks officer around the period of a police operation in Durban in 2023. IPID deputy director for KwaZulu-Natal, Len John, told the commission that a Hawks colonel was linked to a R2.7 million financial trail following the death of a man during a 2023 police operation in Durban.

What the police told the commission

According to the police account presented at the inquiry, a SAPS Task Team under Hawks Colonel Deena Govender identified a flat after arresting a suspect in a Greenwood Park case. Police said when officers entered the flat the five men allegedly opened fire and the Task Team returned fire, killing all five.

The shooting in April 2023 left five men dead: Bevan Loftus, Ryan Santos, Chase Fynn, Michigan Hippolyte and Sihle Zondi.

Proceedings and legal representation

Advocate Mpilo Sikhakhane and Advocate Teboho Mosikili are leading Gregory Loftus’s evidence at the commission. The inquiry into the incident is underway.