Madlanga Commission | Nkwashu denies interfering in Katiso Molefe case

Suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) Brigadier, Abraham Nkhwashu, has told the Madlanga Commission that alleged crime boss, Katiso “KT” Molefe, once attempted to seek his assistance in securing bail for a friend who had been arrested by Nkhwashu.

Nkhwashu, who is Molefe’s brother-in-law, previously made headlines when a voice note attributed to his wife, Fundiswa, was played at the commission.

In the recording, she was allegedly heard warning Molefe to remove a tracking device from his vehicle, claiming police were pursuing him.

Nkhwashu told the commission that he stopped Molefe before he could proceed further with the request, saying he does not discuss police matters with civilians.

The commission heard that the discussion took place after the 17 April 2024 murder of Vereeniging Q-Tech engineer, Armand Swart, who was gunned down in a case of mistaken identity.

Following investigations, Nkhwashu issued a warrant of arrest for former warrant officer, Pule Tau, one of the suspects allegedly involved in Swart’s killing.

He testified that he became uncomfortable when Molefe, who had requested a meeting with him, mentioned that his “friend” needed bail.

Commissioner, Sesi Baloyi, suggested that Nkhwashu may be withholding information about the meeting, an allegation he denied.

Nkwashu told the commission that at the time, he was responsible for arranging the escort of Tau and his co-accused between prison and court while they were on trial for Swart’s assassination.

He insisted that he did not interfere in the case and urged the commission to verify his involvement through SAPS Organised Crime Division records.

Nkwashu also denied aiding Molefe in any criminal activity or attempting to influence bail proceedings.

He added that if he had wanted to help Molefe secure bail for his friend, he would have approached the magistrate handling the case – something he insists he did not do.

During earlier testimony, SAPS Sergeant Lebogang Tsukudu, claimed that Nkwashu told him Molefe had wanted updates on Tau’s bail application and had allegedly offered to pay if bail was granted.

Nkwashu denied these claims.

He further denied interfering in Molefe’s criminal case, saying his only involvement was assisting his sister by delivering food and clothing to Molefe at Groenpunt Prison on 9 December 2024, following Molefe’s arrest on 6 December 2024.

Nkwashu also rejected allegations that he removed his vehicle’s registration plates to conceal his identity during the visit, explaining that the vehicle was new and had not yet received formal plates.

Nkwashu, who was among individuals President Cyril Ramaphosa identified for investigation in the commission’s interim report, maintains that he is innocent.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao