By Everson Luhanga
- Witness A said suspects in Armand Swart’s murder had ties to taxi boss Jothan “Mswati” Msibi and a Hawks insider known as “Zungu”.
- Hawks General Richard Shibiri warned investigators about “three envelopes” circulating to influence bail and told them to “watch their backs”.
A secret witness has told the Madlanga Commission that police officers, politicians and crime bosses were connected to the killing of engineer Armand Swart in Gauteng.
The witness, known only as “Witness A”, gave evidence from a safe house through a live feed to the commission in Pretoria on Monday.
Swart, aged 30, was gunned down outside his workplace in Vereeniging on 17 April 2024. Witness A said investigators believe the murder may have been a case of mistaken identity linked to a whistleblower report about inflated Transnet contracts.
One of the first people arrested was police officer Michael Pule Tau. Witness A said Hawks Major General Richard Shibiri warned the team that “three envelopes” were being circulated to influence bail decisions and that resistance would come from within the police.
Shibiri also warned the investigators to “watch their backs”.
According to Witness A, suspects were linked to the late taxi boss Jothan Msibi, known as “Mswati”, and a Hawks insider called “Zungu”.
CCTV footage showed a Hyundai i20 following Swart to work, while a Mercedes-Benz was seen near the scene hours earlier. Police recovered a bag filled with guns and ammunition.
The witness said the team faced intimidation, including being followed and nearly forced off the road after court appearances.
The Madlanga Commission, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025, is investigating corruption and organised crime within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.
Pictured above: Armand Swart.
Image source: @joy_zelda
