Suspended brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu has testified at the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday that was never in the Armand Swart murder.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Suspended Brig. Mbangwa Nkhwashu has admitted he went to Groenpunt Correctional Services to deliver clothes and food to murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe, but denied having a ‘questionable’ relationship with him (Molefe).
Nkhwashu made the admission while testifying at the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, where he denied interfering in the investigation into the killing of Armand Swart.
“I would never put my 39-year career at risk for a man I had just met,” he said, rejecting claims that he demanded the Swart case docket.
He told the commission he acted on a request from Fundiswa Nyangule, whom he described as his “baby sister” and Molefe’s wife.
According to Nkhwashu, he followed the procedure when he arrived at the prison.
“I identified myself to officials and explained I was there to deliver clothing,” he said.
He was told visiting hours had ended. Officials allowed him to hand over clothes but refused to accept food, in line with prison rules.
“I complied fully. I handed over the clothing and left,” he said.
Correctional officials later flagged the visit to investigators, raising fresh concerns about Nkhwashu’s conduct.
The issue has intensified scrutiny over his relationship with Molefe.
Adding to the tension, Molefe has denied any family link to Nkhwashu. The brigadier rejected that claim, saying it was not possible.
The case centres on the killing of Armand Swart, a 30-year-old engineer who was shot 23 times while sitting in his car outside his workplace in Vereeniging on April 17, 2024.
Investigators believe Swart was killed in a case of mistaken identity. He was allegedly targeted instead of a colleague who had exposed a major corruption scheme involving inflated Transnet contracts.
Molefe is accused of ordering the hit.SAPS detective Michael Pule Tau is alleged to have coordinated the killing, while Lucky Molefe, Katiso’s nephew, is believed to have provided key information linked to the plot.
Lucky Molefe is currently on the run. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The commission is underway.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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