A cache of firearms linked to multiple high-profile assassinations was previously seized by police but later re-emerged in criminal hands, a state inquiry heard on Monday. Captain Solomon Modisane, a senior forensic analyst with the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), delivered this bombshell testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry....Click to Read More >>➤
The weapons in question were used in the murders of musician Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka, DJ Hector “DJ Vintos” Buthelezi, and Don Tindleni. Shockingly, these same guns were recently recovered from suspects arrested for the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart.
Same Firearm Connects Multiple Crime Scenes
Captain Modisane detailed his ballistic analysis, which was requested on December 30, 2024. His task was to compare evidence from the Swart murder case with exhibits from the other killings.
“I was requested to compare the fired cartridge cases and the fired bullets under the microscope,” Modisane stated. His findings were conclusive. “All these exhibits were fired from the same firearm — a 7.62x39mm Russian AK-47 assault rifle. This is the same weapon used in the murders of DJ Sumbody, DJ Vintos, and Don Tindleni.”
Swart was shot dead on April 17, 2025, in a case of alleged mistaken identity. Hitmen reportedly targeted him, confusing him for a colleague who had exposed corruption linked to a Transnet tender. Businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe and Warrant Officer Michael Pule Tau are among those facing charges.
Critical Evidence Never Logged by Police
A major breakdown in police procedure was exposed during the hearing. Evidence leader Advocate Thabang Pooe informed the Commission that initial investigations revealed a critical failure. The weapons had been recovered by police in the past but were never officially entered into the SAP13 evidence system.
This system is the official register for all items seized by police. Its purpose is to maintain a clear and tamper-proof chain of custody.
“We have followed up with witnesses to provide supplementary affidavits confirming that the weapons were recovered by police but not entered into SAP13,” Pooe said. “This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the chain of evidence.”
This failure allowed the weapons to slip out of police control and back into the hands of criminals.
Forensic Expert Points to Systemic Failures
When questioned about the inability to retrieve serial numbers from the firearms, Captain Modisane outlined several potential reasons for this forensic shortcoming. He cited inadequate training, the use of expired chemicals, or a simple unwillingness to perform the task thoroughly.
He also suggested the possibility of deliberate sabotage. “Sometimes it’s… simply someone not willing to go the extra mile — or deliberately failing to do their job,” Modisane testified.
He stressed the paramount importance of serial numbers in criminal investigations. “They tell us where the gun came from, who it belonged to, and how it ended up being used in a crime.” Without this data, tracing a weapon’s history becomes immensely difficult.
Task Team’s Urgent Work Reveals Broader Pattern
Modisane highlighted the efficiency of the specialized PKTT unit. He completed the ballistic comparisons linking the four murders in a single day. He contrasted this with the standard national ballistics division, which he said can take up to 30 days to process evidence.
“The PKTT has a three-day turnaround time,” Modisane explained. “We work until the case is concluded.” This rapid work was crucial in connecting the dots between the separate murder investigations.
The revelations about the mismanaged firearms have intensified scrutiny on the South African Police Service. The fact that weapons once in police custody were later used in multiple assassinations points to serious internal accountability issues.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues its work, probing deep ...Click to Read More >>➤
