A South African Police Service (SAPS) officer tasked with investigating the murder of 30-year-old Armard Swartz has appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on charges linked to the case.
Captain Itumeleng Laurence Makgotloe (54), who is attached to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory, appeared in court facing charges of accessory after the fact to murder and possession of ammunition.
According to reports, Swartz was shot and killed on 17 April 2024 while sitting inside his vehicle outside Q-Tech Engineering Company in Vereeniging. It is alleged that occupants of another vehicle parked opposite him opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Police later arrested two suspects who were allegedly found in possession of a firearm and ammunition believed to have been used in the murder.
The firearm and ammunition were reportedly submitted to Makgotloe on 09 May 2024 for ballistic testing. Investigators allege that after conducting the examination, Makgotloe submitted inaccurate ballistic reports to his superiors, later retrieved the reports, and failed to return them.
He is further accused of removing the firearm and ammunition to prevent further forensic examination and never returning the exhibits.
Makgotloe also reportedly testified before the Madlanga Commission in February 2026 regarding the Swartz murder investigation.
Following further investigations, he was arrested at his residence on 24 May 2026.
The case was postponed to 02 June 2026 for a Schedule 1 bail application.
No tags for this post.
