Nearly four years after the death of a senior South African police official was attributed to Covid-19 complications, investigators are now treating the case as a suspected murder following forensic findings that indicate he was poisoned.
Lieutenant-General Sindile Christopher “Pitso” Mfazi, who served as Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection in the South African Police Service (SAPS), died on 8 July 2021. His death was initially reported as resulting from Covid-19, but new toxicology evidence has dramatically changed the direction of the investigation.
Authorities say the case is now being handled by the National Cold Case Unit, which has reopened the investigation after forensic specialists concluded that Mfazi had allegedly been poisoned with liquid casting resin.
The investigation has expanded significantly in recent weeks, with police conducting coordinated search operations across Gauteng.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that investigators, supported by the Special Task Force, executed search-and-seizure warrants at multiple residential and commercial properties. Numerous electronic devices were confiscated for forensic examination.
Mathe said investigators are questioning several persons of interest but declined to reveal identities or additional operational details because the investigation remains at a sensitive stage.
Although no arrests have been announced, police confirmed that the inquiry is now officially being pursued as a full-scale murder investigation.
Investigators are analysing electronic evidence alongside material gathered since the case was transferred to the National Cold Case Unit shortly after Mfazi’s death.
Investigators revisit corruption cases linked to the late police general
The renewed investigation has also revived attention on several high-profile corruption matters that Mfazi was reportedly investigating before his death.
Among them was an alleged1.6billion-rand fraud involving personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement within SAPS headquarters. He was also reportedly involved in inquiries related to the Phala Phala burglary and allegations concerning the misuse of Crime Intelligence funds.
Additional testimony presented before Parliament has intensified public interest in the case. Whistleblowers alleged that investigative files were removed from Mfazi’s residence by senior police officials on the night of his death before his widow returned home. Those claims remain part of the broader investigation.
Mfazi’s family and the foundation established in his honour have called for the return of the missing documents and have urged Parliament to conduct a transparent public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Public support for that demand has continued to grow, with more than15,000people reportedly signing a petition calling for accountability.
The case is expected to remain under close scrutiny as investigators determine whether additional suspects, including serving or former officials, may have played a role in the alleged killing.
Source: Adapted from publicly available reports.