Forensic official accused of aiding murder

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A South African Police Service (SAPS) official stationed at the Forensic Science Laboratory appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Itumeleng Laurence Makgotloe faces charges related to being an accessory after the fact to murder and possession of ammunition, raising significant legal and procedural implications for the case at hand.

The charges against the captain, 54, relate to the murder of 30-year-old Armard Swartz.

Gauteng spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Lumka Mahanjana, said on 17 April 2024, an individual was shot and killed while seated in his vehicle outside Q-Tech Engineering Company in Vereeniging.

The gunfire reportedly came from occupants of another vehicle parked opposite, who then fled the scene.

“The matter was reported to the police on the same day, and two suspects were subsequently arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“During the investigation, the firearm and ammunition allegedly used in the murder were submitted to Makgotloe on 09 May 2024 for ballistic examination,” she explained.

Mahanjana stated that after conducting the examination, Makgotloe submitted inaccurate reports to his superiors, which he later retrieved and failed to return.

Official testimony on Swartz murder case

She added, “It is further alleged that he also removed the firearm and ammunition to prevent further examination and never returned them.

“In February 2026, Makgotloe testified before the Madlanga Commission regarding the murder of Swartz. Following further investigations into the matter, he was arrested at his residence on 24 May 2026.”

The matter was postponed to 2 June 2026 for a Schedule 1 bail application.

Meanwhile, Brown Mogotsi appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday for a bail application, facing five charges including defeating the ends of justice and perjury.

These charges stem from his arrest on May 15, linked to an alleged staged assassination incident that occurred in November of the previous year.

The 47-year-old North West businessman has denied accusations of orchestrating his own assassination attempt.

Mogotsi has stated his intention to plead not guilty to the charges. In a sworn affidavit presented by his legal representative, he claimed that on November 3, while driving in Vosloorus, he was pursued by a bakkie, asserting that his life was indeed in danger.

The investigating officer accused Mogotsi of attempting to bribe him during a visit to obtain a statement from him.

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The officer recounted that as he was leaving the cell, Mogotsi commented on his bail situation, asking, “Is there something I can do for you not to oppose my bail?”

The officer interpreted this remark as a clear attempt to offer a bribe and expressed his displeasure by stating he should not consider that approach.

The state plans to oppose Mogotsi’s bail application.