A captain attached to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory has been arrested on charges of defeating the ends of justice in connection with several high-profile murder cases and evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The officer was arrested on Friday at his home in Pretoria by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the arrest relates to allegations of defeating the ends of justice in several high-profile murder cases currently under investigation, as well as evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

During the operation, the task team seized several items belonging to the state, including ballistic reports, several rounds of ammunition and other evidential material relevant to ongoing investigations.

The suspect will appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today.

The arrest forms part of ongoing investigations by the special investigations task team, which was constituted following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to the minister of police and the SAPS national commissioner in January.

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was established in July 2025 following allegations made public by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The commission’s first interim report includes referrals for criminal investigation and prosecution decisions against several SAPS officials, including Major General Lesetja Senona, Major General Richard Shibiri, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

The commission is expected to submit a second interim report by 29 May and a final report by 31 August.

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