SAPS Ballistics Unit Critically Understaffed, Brigadier Tells Madlanga Commission

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is facing a major operational challenge in its ballistics department, with only three analysts currently on duty. This was revealed by Brigadier Mishak Mkhabela, the head of SAPS ballistics, during his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The commission, chaired by Justice Madlanga, is probing allegations of corruption within both the police and the judiciary.

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Brigadier Mkhabela, regarded as one of the service’s leading forensic experts, is testifying about the processes used to link weapons involved in major assassinations, including the murder of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart.

Swart’s company had reportedly uncovered irregularities involving a firm connected to Katiso “KT” Molefe, which had allegedly obtained a Transnet contract through fraudulent means.

The ballistic evidence from the murder scene has since played a key role in tracing connections to other high-profile killings.

Staff Shortages Hamper Critical Forensic Work

According to Brigadier Mkhabela, the department’s capacity has sharply declined over time. “Naturally with time, other members resigned, went for greener pastures, and we didn’t replace them. Eventually, we ended having limited members who can work on the system,” he explained.

With only a handful of qualified experts handling critical ballistic evidence, the department’s operational strain is becoming increasingly evident.

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