PKTT member says he was told Molefe and Mchunu are friends |Madlanga Commission

Former Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) member, Captain Maxwell Wanda said he was told that murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe and suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu were friends.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, Wanda said it was Lehasa Moloi, Molefe's driver/bodyguard that told him this.

He said this happened around the time Molefe was arrested at his multi-million rand Sandhurst residence in Johannesburg in December 6, 2024.

Molefe's arrest has drawn scrutiny over alleged interference by members of the Hawks unit.

Recounting the scene, Wanda said that after stepping back into the house following an exchange with Hawks officers, he found Moloi (bodyguard/driver) lying on the floor under police guard, a firearm nearby.

Moloi then asked: “Captain, what is going to happen now? Because the person arrested is a friend of the Minister of Police.”

Wanda testified that he sought clarity, asking, “Honourable Minister Mchunu?” to which Moloi replied, “Yes.”

Wanda said he did not press further on Moloi’s remark but found the exchange “notable and concerning,” given the political sensitivity of the operation.

However, the former PKTT member told the commission that the Hawks’ conduct at the scene was “deeply troubling,” describing their questioning and presence as “constituting interference” with an ongoing investigation.

Wanda testified that despite his team identifying themselves as SAPS members, certain Hawks officers continued probing the “sensitivity” of the operation.

“Their presence, attitude, and insistence on knowing details went beyond normal protocol,” Wanda said, adding that he could not confirm which office the Hawks contingent had come from.

He further noted that while Captain [Barry] Kruger from the Hawks remained calm “calm, other members were “uncooperative and confrontational.”

Wanda addressed the standoff between the PKTT and the Hawks until everyone understood why the PKTT members were at the residence.

Wanda is one of three key witnesses expected to testify on the circumstances surrounding the controversial Molefe’s arrest.

Meanwhile, Mchunu has since been placed on special leave pending investigations into allegations by KZN Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that he was involved in political interference in the SAPS.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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