Hawks Captain Denies Knowledge of Interference in Arrest Operation at Alleged Cartel Member’s House

A Hawks captain testifying at the Madlanga Commission has stated that he and his team were unaware they were being sent to the home of alleged drug cartel member Katlego Molefe during a police arrest operation last December.

Captain Barry Kruger, a member of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (Toms), took the stand on Wednesday at the inquiry into criminality and corruption within the justice system. His testimony directly contradicted earlier witnesses who claimed the Hawks interfered with the operation.

Kruger explained that on December 6, 2024, he received a call from his superior, Brigadier Lesiba Mokoena, who instructed him to verify the legitimacy of a police operation at a Sandhurst address. Kruger claimed he was not told whose house it was or the nature of the operation, only that he needed to confirm if the officers on site were truly from the Hawks.

“I arrived at the scene at 5pm,” Kruger stated, noting the poor condition of his vehicle delayed him. Upon arrival, he found SAPS Captain Maxwell Wanda leading a legitimate operation to arrest Molefe for the April 2024 murder of engineer Armand Swart. Kruger testified that after confirming the operation was above board, he left.

This account challenges last week’s testimony from Witnesses A and B, who alleged that the Hawks, along with Gauteng traffic police and Johannesburg Metro Police, intentionally interfered with Molefe’s arrest.

Molefe, who is linked to multiple murder cases including that of musician DJ Sumbody, was ultimately granted bail in both cases. The commission is set to resume with the continued testimony of Witness C.