A senior Gauteng Traffic Police official has testified before a judicial commission about allegations involving helicopter deployment during a high-profile arrest operation. Chief Provincial Inspector George Raftopoulos appeared before the Madlanga commission investigating corruption within South Africa’s justice system....Click to Read More >>➤
The inquiry is examining claims of improper interference during the arrest of businessman Katiso Molefe last December. The suspect faced apprehension in connection with the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart at his Sandhurst residence.
Raftopoulos addressed specific allegations about a traffic police helicopter hovering above the arrest scene. Multiple witnesses previously suggested the aircraft’s presence indicated attempted obstruction of the legitimate police operation.
The traffic official explained he authorized the helicopter deployment after receiving a specific request for assistance. Captain Kruger from the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section had contacted him reporting possible police impersonators in the area.
Raftopoulos described such deployments as standard procedure for addressing fake police officer incidents. He noted that individuals impersonating officers typically abandon their activities when police aircraft arrive overhead.
The inspector revealed ongoing coordination through a dedicated WhatsApp group established for reporting police impersonation cases. Molefe’s residential address had been shared within this communication channel before the helicopter deployment.
Flight records indicated the helicopter departed from Midrand and reached Sandhurst approximately seven minutes later. During this transit, Kruger messaged confirmation that the operation at the address was legitimate, though Raftopoulos stated he might not have seen this communication while navigating.
The traffic official maintained he observed nothing unusual upon arriving at the location. He argued that genuine imposters would have fled the scene if they had been present before police aircraft arrival.
Raftopoulos explained that video documentation of the property formed part of standard operational procedure. The footage complied with Civil Aviation Authority requirements for residential area operations and provided documentation for potential noise complaints.
The helicopter remained onsite for approximately six minutes before departing. The entire operation lasted about thirteen minutes from departure to return.
The inspector expressed personal distress over public allegations questioning his team’s professional conduct. He emphasized having no prior knowledge of Molefe’s identity or residence before the deployment.
Raftopoulos characterized his actions as routine assistance for colleagues he regularly supports. His understanding centered exclusively on addressing possible police impersonation rather than interfering with legitimate law enforcement activities.
The commission continues investigating broader claims of criminal infiltration within justice institutions. The proceedings aim to determine whether systematic corruption has compromised law enforcement operations in Gauteng province. ...Click to Read More >>➤
