Ex-Hawks boss exposes factional rifts between police units
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Former Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya testified at the Madlanga Commission regarding internal conflicts and communication failures between South African police units. The testimony highlighted how factionalism and mistrust led to a dangerous standoff during a high-profile arrest in Sandton.
Why it matters
The revelations expose deep-seated institutional instability and corruption risks within South Africa's law enforcement agencies, threatening public safety and the rule of law.
The evidence of former Hawks head Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya points to deeper fault lines within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies, where investigations and high-profile raids have become entangled in factional battles, competing interests and allegations of misconduct.
27 Aug 2026 Godfrey Lebeya testifies at the Madlanga Commission on 27 August. (Photo: Frennie Shivambu / Gallo Images) Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper A breakdown in communication between police units nearly led to an explosive confrontation during the arrest of alleged crime boss Katiso “KT” Molefe, former Hawks chief Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya told the Madlanga Commission on Thursday.
Arriving at Molefe’s Sandhurst, Sandton, home on 6 December 2024, Hawks officers walked into a volatile standoff with Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and Gauteng Organised Crime Unit members, who were already raiding the mansion over the murder of businessman Armand Swart.
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