JMPD cop named by Mkhwanazi in Madlanga Commission under internal investigation
Johannesburg Metro Police officer, currently deployed in the K9 Unit, is under internal investigation after being named at the Madlanga Commission for allegedly assisting murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe.
Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi / Independent Newspapers
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department has confirmed that one of its officers' - named in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry by KwaZulu-Natal police boss, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, for allegedly misusing state resources to assist murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe - is the subject of an internal investigation.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed the development to IOL News on Friday.
He said that Johannes Makgatle is a metro police officer deployed in the K9 Unit. He has been with the department since December 16, 2005.
“The JMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit has initiated an internal investigation into these allegations,” Fihla said.
“This investigation will assess the claims, and the JMPD will cooperate fully with the Commission and any other authority involved. Based on the findings, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in line with council policy.”
The probe follows testimony by Mkhwanazi before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
The commission, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating the extent of corruption and collusion within law enforcement.
Mkhwanazi alleged that Makgatle had close ties to Molefe, who was arrested on 6 December 2024.
He accused Makgatle of using state systems to benefit Molefe, including renewing vehicle licences on his behalf in exchange for personal favours.
“An example I’m putting here is one police officer from Johannesburg Metro,” Mkhwanazi told the commission.
“This police officer is a very close associate of the arrested Mr Katiso Molefe.”
Mkhwanazi said Makgatle submitted an affidavit to the General Crime Intelligence Operations (GCI Ops) on February 5, 2025, where in it he claimed that Molefe contacted him about a suspicious vehicle near his home.
While on duty, Makgatle allegedly picked Molefe up, ran a check on the vehicle’s registration using state systems, confirmed it was a police surveillance vehicle, and returned Molefe home.
KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testifies at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he accused a JMPD officer of using state resources to support murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Later that day, Molefe’s son informed Makgatle that his father had been arrested in connection with the same case involving Warrant Officer Michael Pule Tau, a former detective and co-accused in the Veereniging murder of Armand Swart.
Makgatle allegedly admitted in his affidavit to knowing both Molefe and Tau, having worked with Tau since 2008.
Mkhwanazi said the issue is not only their association, but the unethical use of state systems and resources.
“He used his position to benefit Mr Molefe,” Mkhwanazi said. “That’s unethical and unlawful.”
He also accused Makgatle of renewing vehicle licences for Molefe in exchange for personal rewards. A typed version of Makgatle’s affidavit is expected to be submitted as evidence.
“This demonstrates a pattern of unprofessional and unlawful conduct by an officer abusing state resources to support criminal associates,” Mkhwanazi added.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe revealed that three firearms, an AK-47 and two pistols, recovered during a major organised crime investigation have now been linked to 18 murder and attempted murder cases.
The weapons are allegedly tied to Molefe and controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Speaking outside Alexandra Magistrates’ Court, Mathe said ballistic analysis linked the AK-47 to the attempted murder of taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni in August 2022, as well as the murders of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards in November 2022.
The rifle was also connected to the March 2023 murder of Don Tindleni on the N1 highway and the mistaken-identity killing of Armand Swart in April 2024.
One of the pistols, Mathe said, was linked to the attempted murder of DJ Vintos, also known as Hector Buthelezi.
“The number of cases linked to these firearms has now risen to 18,” Mathe said. “We are still searching for the AK-47 used in the attempted murder of Tebogo Thobejane.”
Matlala, 49, is accused of ordering the 2023 hit on Thobejane. He faces charges of attempted murder, money laundering, and possession of fraudulent documents.
Murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe appears in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court. He has been linked to multiple killings and is at the centre of explosive allegations involving police corruption.
Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL
The state argue he poses a flight risk due to foreign assets, access to a private jet, and a fake Eswatini ID allegedly sent by his wife, Tsakane.
Molefe appeared in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Thursday alongside co-accused Musa Kekana, Warrant Officer Tau, and Floyd Mabusela. All four face charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The accused have been linked to a string of violent crimes, including the killings of DJ Sumbody, DJ Vintos, Don Tindleni, and Armand Swart.
All were denied bail. The case has been postponed to November 11, 2025 for centralisation, where the court will determine whether to consolidate the charges into a single trial.
The accused remain in custody pending further investigations.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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