The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a murder investigation into the death of Lt-Gen Sindile “Pitso” Mfazi, the deputy national commissioner for crime detection. While SAPS initially attributed his death to Covid-19 complications, toxicology tests conducted after his body was exhumed identified a poisonous substance, according to police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe.
Evidence of a Plot to Assassinate Lt-Gen Mfazi
A personal diary and official SAPS pocketbook belonging to Lt-Gen Mfazi reveal he was warned of a conspiracy to kill him. On December 10, 2020, at 18:33, Mfazi recorded an “intel call” from an unregistered number. The caller, claiming to be from the anti-gang unit, warned him of an active assassination plot involving senior police officers.
Mfazi reported the threat, but his widow, Lindelwa “Malindi” Mfazi, told the Sunday Times that no effective protection was provided. She remained suspicious of the official Covid-19 cause of death and sought an exhumation 10 days after the burial after speaking with national police commissioner Khehla Sitole.
Did You Know? Lt-Gen Mfazi was a former Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) soldier before serving as the deputy national commissioner for crime detection.
Investigations into State Capture and Secret Funds
Documents and sworn affidavits from former intelligence analyst Philasande Dotyeni suggest Mfazi was probing systemic state capture. A primary focus was the crime intelligence secret services account, a multimillion-rand fund. On November 18, 2020, Mfazi met with the office of the inspector-general of intelligence (OIGI) and noted a critical gap in financial documents for the 2020/21 period.
According to a protected disclosure submitted to parliament in March 2026 by Dotyeni, Mfazi was investigating whether state resources and crime intelligence funds were unlawfully diverted. The inquiry focused on an off-book covert operation to track thieves and manage political fallout following the February 2020 burglary at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.
Because this operation lacked a registered crime administration system (CAS) docket, it fell outside lawful SAPS procedures. Dotyeni stated that the missing 2020/21 records Mfazi flagged were the files needed to prove this unlawful expenditure.
Pandemic Procurement and Forensic System Disputes
Mfazi’s records also highlight corruption during the Covid-19 pandemic. On December 15, 2020, he chaired an audit of emergency personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement involving R1.6bn. He documented R35m in direct irregular losses and noted that an internal supply chain contact had received threats linked to the audit.
Separately, Mfazi led the state’s 2018 legal case against Forensic Data Analysts (FDA), a consortium run by former officer Keith Keating. FDA managed the firearm permit system (FPS) and property control and exhibit management (PCEM) system. Mfazi argued the intellectual property belonged to the state, but SAPS lost the high court case and faces a liability exceeding R1bn.
Allegations of a Police Cover-Up
Institute of Security Studies (ISS) researcher Lizette Lancaster described the handling of Mfazi’s death as an “elaborate cover-up.” Lancaster cited the disappearance of an inquest docket into headquarters and the alleged removal of files from Mfazi’s home while his body was still present.
The investigation only gained momentum after Dotyeni presented evidence to a parliamentary ad hoc committee in February, following allegations made in 2025 by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Brig Athlenda Mathe confirmed that investigators have established the poison was not accidentally ingested.
While J51 search-and-seizure warrants have been executed at various addresses, no arrests have been made. The police service maintains that the investigation is at a “sensitive and critical stage.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original cause of death for Lt-Gen Mfazi?
The South African Police Service (SAPS) initially concluded that Lt-Gen Mfazi died from Covid-19 complications.
How was the poisoning discovered?
His widow, Lindelwa Mfazi, had the body exhumed 10 days after the burial. Subsequent toxicology tests identified a poisonous substance.
What specific police operation was Mfazi investigating regarding Phala Phala?
According to Philasande Dotyeni, Mfazi was probing allegations that crime intelligence funds and state resources were used for an off-book covert operation to track thieves and contain political fallout, bypassing lawful SAPS procedures.
Do you believe independent investigative bodies are sufficient to police senior officials within the SAPS?