PRETORIA – A police forensic officer who allegedly tampered with evidence in a murder investigation and submitted false ballistic reports has been granted R15 000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrates Court.
Captain Itumeleng Laurence Makgotoe (54), attached to the South African Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory, faces two counts of accessory after the fact to murder and possession of ammunition in connection with the killing of Armand Swart.
Swart was shot dead in his vehicle outside his place of work, Q-Tech Engineering Company, in Vereeniging on 17 April 2024. Two suspects were arrested after they were allegedly found in possession of a firearm and ammunition linked to the murder.
The firearm and ammunition were submitted to Makgotoe on 9 May 2024 for ballistic examination. It is alleged that he submitted inaccurate reports to his superiors, later retrieved them and failed to return them. He also allegedly removed the firearm and ammunition to prevent further examination and never returned them.
Makgotoe testified before the Madlanga Commission in February 2026 regarding Swart’s murder. He was arrested at his residence on 24 May 2026 following further investigations.
The state opposed bail, arguing that Makgotoe might interfere with witnesses and investigations and conceal evidence due to his position as a police official. The magistrate, however, found it was in the interest of justice to release him on bail.
His bail conditions prohibit him from accessing his work building, require him to inform the investigating officer before visiting any police station, forbid interference with investigations or witnesses, and require him to surrender his passport within five days.
The matter was postponed to 20 August for further investigations.
