SAPS Captain Laurence Makgotloe Linked To Firearms Connected To 30 Violent Crimes

Suspended Laurence Itumeleng Makgotloe appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday after firearms linked to him were connected to 30 serious and violent crimes across South Africa.

The South African Police Service said the investigation widened after a second independent ballistic analysis confirmed links between the firearms and several murder and attempted murder cases. Makgotloe was arrested on Friday and is expected back in court next Tuesday for a formal bail application.

He is facing charges of defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of ammunition and being an accessory after the fact to murder.

SAPS Ballistics Probe Links Firearms To 30 Violent Crimes

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said concerns over the accuracy of an earlier forensic report prompted authorities to seek a second opinion.

According to Mathe, the firearms were re-examined at the Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory after initially being linked to the murder of Armand Swart.

“The Amanzimtoti report was a true reflection of the forensic findings. They then requested another second opinion. Those firearms were then taken to the Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory, where the two reviewers and the ballistics experts then agreed that indeed these firearms linked to 30 serious and violent cases, the majority being murder and attempted murder,” she said.

Police said the updated forensic findings allowed investigators to reconnect evidence linked to several unresolved criminal dockets.

Firearms Linked To DJ Sumbody And Other High-Profile Murders

SAPS confirmed the firearms have now been connected to multiple high-profile killings. These include the murders of DJ Sumbody, DJ Vintos and Don Tindleni.

Investigators also linked the weapons to attempted murder cases involving Joe Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys. Police said further analysis is under way to establish whether the firearms were used in additional crimes.

Mathe said investigators are continuing to use the national ballistic database to identify more possible links.

SAPS Raises Concerns Over Error-Filled Ballistic Report

Police also questioned the quality of the original ballistic findings prepared by Makgotloe. Mathe described the report as unusually flawed given the officer’s experience.

“It had glaring mistakes and a lot of errors, and it is unusual with the experience of Captain Magotloe that he would make such glaring mistakes and would not link these firearms to other cases,” she said.

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SAPS said the revised forensic findings could lead to further arrests and prosecutions as investigators uncover more connections.

Makgotloe Bail Hearing Set Down For Next Week

Makgotloe’s case was postponed to allow his legal team time to prepare a formal bail application. Internal disciplinary proceedings within SAPS are also continuing alongside the criminal investigation.

Mathe praised two investigators involved in uncovering the firearm links, saying their work played a key role in advancing the probe. She added that specialised organised crime task teams are investigating possible syndicate involvement.

Police said more charges and additional linked cases remain a strong possibility as the forensic investigation continues.