Hawks Captain Dail Nortjie Concludes Testimony on Katiso Molefe Arrest at Madlanga Commission
Hawks captain Dail Nortjie wrapped up his testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday morning, shedding light on the controversial arrest of alleged underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe. The brief appearance focused on the raid that led to Molefe’s capture in connection with the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart. Amid claims of interference by Hawks members during the operation, Nortjie explained his role in verifying the legitimacy of the arrest, denying any attempts to halt it. As the commission probes deeper into police infiltration and corruption, this evidence adds to the growing scrutiny of law enforcement’s handling of high-profile cases.
The session, held on 25 November 2025, is part of ongoing hearings into criminality, political interference, and corruption in South Africa’s justice system. With three Hawks members scheduled to testify that day, Nortjie’s account provides key insights into the events surrounding Molefe’s December 2024 arrest, raising questions about internal dynamics within the police service.
The Arrest of Katiso Molefe: A High-Stakes Raid
Katiso “KT” Molefe was taken into custody on 6 December 2024 during a raid at his Sandhurst home in Johannesburg. The operation, carried out by members of the Political Killings Task Team and the Special Task Force, linked him to the murder of Armand Swart, a Transnet engineer gunned down in April 2024. Swart, who had blown the whistle on irregularities at the state-owned enterprise, was killed after hitmen allegedly targeted him in Vereeniging.
Molefe faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit murder. He is also accused in the killings of popular DJ Sumbody and the attempted murder of actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane in October 2023. The raid uncovered evidence tying him to these crimes, but previous testimonies at the commission have highlighted concerns over alleged Hawks interference, suggesting efforts to protect or disrupt the arrest.
Witnesses, including a detective known as Witness A who worked on the Swart case, have claimed that Hawks officials tried in vain to stop the operation. Recordings and statements presented earlier alleged Molefe’s connections to a police officer acting as a hitman, further complicating the narrative of infiltration within the force.
Nortjie’s Account: Verifying the Operation
In his testimony, Nortjie detailed how he was tasked with confirming the raid’s legitimacy. “On the 6th of December, which was on a Friday around 16:24, I received a call on my cellphone from Lt-Col Matlole, whereby we had to attend follow-up information with regard to people impersonating themselves as Hawks,” he said.
He explained that three separate Hawks teams were deployed to the scene to verify if the operation at Molefe’s premises was genuine. Nortjie denied any interference, stating his involvement was purely to ensure no impersonation or unauthorised actions were taking place. This came amid reports that Hawks members arrived during the raid, raising suspicions of attempts to derail the arrest.
The captain’s evidence aims to clarify the Hawks’ role, countering claims that senior officials may have sought to protect Molefe due to alleged ties. Nortjie emphasised that his instructions were to check for legitimacy, not to obstruct the process.
Broader Implications for the Madlanga Commission
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established to investigate deep-rooted issues in the criminal justice system. Hearings have revealed shocking details, including political meddling and corruption. Molefe’s case is central, with testimonies linking him to broader networks involving contract killings and influence over police actions.
Previous sessions heard from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged conspiracies involving Molefe, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, and others to disband specialised task teams. Anonymous witnesses have provided recordings of Molefe discussing protection from high-ranking officials, fueling debates on infiltration.
Nortjie’s testimony, though brief, is seen as vital in piecing together the events. As one of three Hawks members appearing on Tuesday, his input sets the stage for further revelations. The commission continues to call key figures, aiming to uncover the full extent of interference and recommend reforms to restore trust in law enforcement.
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