Latest news with #GodfreyLebeya
The Herald
5 days ago
- The Herald
Man accused of impersonating ex Hawks head denied bail
The Hatfield magistrate's court has denied bail to parolee Thabo Enoch Theletsane who is accused of fraud and impersonating a police official. 'It is alleged that on October 25 2024 while out on parole after serving a sentence for fraud, Theletsane, 41, contacted a prominent businessman via WhatsApp using a profile picture of the former national head of the Hawks Lt-Gen Godfrey Lebeya,' National Prosecuting Authority Lumka Mahanjana said During the call, he allegedly claimed the businessman's phone had been hacked and that the businessman would be contacted by a 'Mr Mokoena', purportedly a police officer from the cybercrime unit. Posing as 'Mr Mokoena', Theletsane allegedly told the businessman that his phone had been hacked and offered to 'clean' it. 'He is accused of requesting the businessman's frequently used contact numbers, which he then obtained. The accused allegedly asked the businessman to make a payment for a hard drive to store his information; however, this payment was not made.' In a separate incident, Theletsane allegedly contacted another complainant using the numbers supplied by the businessman. He allegedly told the second complainant that their phone had been hacked and requested a payment of R50,000 for a hard drive to store their information. The complainant paid the money. 'After realising they had been defrauded, both victims reported the matter to the police on November 1 2024. After an intensive investigation, Theletsane was arrested on May 10.' In court, Theletsane requested bail, claiming he has seven children and another on the way to provide for. Prosecutor Dikeledi Moganyaka opposed bail and read into the record an affidavit by investigating officer Mpho Phantinah Dlamini, who said the accused had deliberately given a false address during the investigation and had two previous convictions for fraud and forgery from 2020, making him likely to reoffend if released. Denying Theletsane bail, the court agreed with the state that the accused had a propensity for committing crime since he is alleged to have committed the latest offences just days after being released on parole. The case was postponed until September 2 for transfer to the Pretoria magistrate's court. TimesLIVE
IOL News
07-08-2025
- IOL News
Power, Proximity, and the Crisis in South Africa's Law Enforcement
Accused mastermind Katiso Molefe appears in the Alexandra Magistrates' Court amid allegations linking him to the murders of DJs and drug-related killings across Gauteng. Image: Simon Majadibodu/IOL Clyde N. S. Ramalaine South Africa's criminal justice system is buckling under the weight of unfolding revelations and mounting drama, this time drawing the spotlight to colourful businessman, self-styled philanthropist, and consultant Malcolm X. Former Hawks boss, General Godfrey Lebeya, and the controversial arrest of KT Molefe initially introduced an unnamed source who had made a critical phone call. That individual has since self-identified as Malcolm X. Molefe stands accused of orchestrating a series of killings, including those of Armand Swart and DJ Sumbody. What began as a forceful exposé by KZN Provincial Commissioner Lt. General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has now spiralled into a case study of influence, access, and institutional compromise. At the heart of this saga lies not just the veracity of claims but the structural rot revealed through a cast of characters who blur the lines between private interest and public power. Into this ever-unfolding crisis emerges businessman Malcolm X, now in self-disclosure at the centre of a growing controversy following allegations that he contacted former Hawks boss General Godfrey Lebeya to confirm whether officers from the elite unit had been dispatched to the home of KT Molefe. Before emerging as a high-profile businessman, Malcolm X was introduced to South African public discourse against the backdrop of his turbulent years as a student at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). At Wits, he gained attention for his charismatic presence, populist rhetoric, and penchant for controversy. Though he initially showed promise, his student years were marked by personal instability, culminating in a reported attempted suicide, perhaps underscoring the psychological strain of navigating university life and complex social expectations. His later descent into more precarious criminal territory became evident when he was arrested alongside several police officers under murky circumstances involving abuse of power and alleged impersonation. On 23 October 2023, Malcolm X was arrested alongside three police officers on charges of corruption and extortion. They are accused of coercing a woman by threatening to arrest her and her son to pay R580,000 to avoid detention for purportedly forged passport stamps. Malcolm X is alleged to have acted as the middleman facilitating the bribe. The Hawks' Serious Corruption Unit arrested them following a joint investigation with the National Prosecuting Authority. The case, currently before the courts, was last postponed in July 2024, with Malcolm X out on bail. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading News24, on Friday, broke the story that a warrant of arrest had been issued against Malcolm X for failing to appear in court for the ongoing extortion trial scheduled for August 1, after he reportedly fell ill. This development casts further shadow on his credibility and amplifies the gravity of his involvement. While the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' remains a foundational pillar of any just society, and must rightly apply to Malcolm X, his arrest nonetheless exposes troubling dynamics within South Africa's governance and policing spheres. That an individual facing such serious allegations could simultaneously maintain access to the upper echelons of law enforcement and political elites forces a reckoning with how proximity to power can erode ideals of impartiality and accountability. This is not a judgment of guilt, but a reflection on the architecture of influence and the uncomfortable entanglement of those entrusted with public service. Institutional authority increasingly appears to be governed less by merit and integrity than by informal networks, favouring economies, and a culture where access supersedes accountability. Regardless of the legal outcome, the plausibility of such access calls into question the integrity of systems meant to be impartial and reveals how fragile the boundary remains between protector and perpetrator. What remains troubling and a cause for concern is how Malcolm X obtained direct access to the highest levels of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). According to Lebeya, Malcolm X was regarded as an informant based on prior interactions. Malcolm X, however, categorically rejects this label, asserting that he met Lebeya only once, a meeting he claims to have documented with a photograph, which was also published in the ANG report. This contradiction introduces the first ambiguity surrounding his role and relationship with law enforcement. Secondly, Malcolm X remains vague about the identity of the individual who contacted him to intervene. He describes the person only as a 'longstanding client' for whom he offers unspecified 'consulting services,' offering no clarity on the nature of these services or how they qualify him to insert himself into sensitive police matters. He inconsistently refers to the client as KT Molefe's 'brother' and later as a close 'friend,' leaving the actual connection unclear. To explain the brother-friend conundrum, X resorts to philosophy in an attempt to deflect 702 anchor Manyatela's direct question. Thirdly, General Lebeya's version adds further complexity. He confirms receiving a call from someone, now known to be Malcolm X, inquiring about the presence of Hawks officers at a residence, and that the caller described Molefe as a 'friend.' Both Lebeya and X, however, vehemently deny any personal acquaintance with Molefe. Despite this, X claims to have driven to Molefe's residence after receiving the address from his client, where he reportedly encountered around 40 people and began questioning them about their affiliations. As for Lebeya, despite his knowledge of standard arrest procedures, which included the issuance of a warrant, he still chose to dispatch Hawks members to the scene. Why would Lebeya, a seasoned police officer and leader of the Hawks, engage in this? What compels him to be open to such action, especially given his familiarity with legal protocols? This conduct raises serious legal and ethical questions: By what authority did Malcolm X believe he could interfere in a police operation, particularly one involving a person he claims not to know? Fourthly, a report by Bianca Binase for Africa News Global notes: 'Malcolm X insisted that Mkhwanazi must have known it was him (X) who had called Lebeya, because he (X) made a call to Lebeya and put him on speakerphone while the team Mkhwanazi had sent to effect the arrest were listening.' X appears more than comfortable questioning on-duty officers about their directives. Why would he feel entitled to act this way? What informs his belief that he holds a rightful role in the arrest process, especially when he claims no connection to Molefe? Former head of the Hawks Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya. Image: GCIS Ordinarily, police effecting an arrest at a private residence do so under the authority of a duly issued warrant. The existence of such a warrant provides them with legal standing, regardless of who is involved. If such a warrant were in place, on what grounds did Malcolm X believe he could question the arrest or its legitimacy? Interfering in the execution of a lawful arrest, especially by a party not directly involved, can constitute a criminal offence. A plausible explanation lies in Malcolm X's perceived or actual access to General Lebeya. This relationship, if exercised casually, raises concerns about privilege, institutional credibility, and the politicisation of law enforcement. In the fifth instance, Malcolm X admitted in an interview that he first tried to contact Minister Bheki Cele directly. When that failed, he called General Lebeya. This points to an extraordinary level of access to South Africa's security hierarchy. Malcolm X downplayed this by claiming such individuals are 'ordinary people' and thus accessible. Yet, this attempt to normalise access belies the larger implications. Pressed by a 702 radio anchor about WhatsApp conversations between himself and Lebeya, Malcolm X insisted these had nothing to do with KT Molefe. In the sixth instance, following Lebeya's public remarks, Malcolm X contacted him again to question why his name had not been disclosed. Lebeya cited the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), saying he needed Malcolm X's consent. Malcolm X then attempted to reach Mkhwanazi to "correct" what he saw as a misrepresentation—that Mkhwanazi knew it was he who contacted Lebeya. However, it appears no direct conversation between them occurred. Malcolm X later claimed that the idea of publicly naming himself as the caller originated with him and that he passed this suggestion to Kenny Kunene. He stated that he encouraged Kunene to break the story and identify him. Given Kunene's media interests, including Weekly Xposé, Africa News 24-7 (now Africa News Global), it is plausible he would seize such a story. Malcolm X's insistence on being recognised as the person who called Lebeya, and his later frustration at not being publicly acknowledged, suggests a deeper psychological and political dynamic: the performance of proximity to power. In South Africa, where access often masquerades as authority, Malcolm X seems to draw credibility from being seen as present and pivotal. His conduct points to a strategy of influence-as-performance, not merely to aid a legal process, but to establish indispensability. Being left unnamed is, for him, not protection but erasure. While it may be premature to draw definitive conclusions, the possibility that Malcolm X is leveraging this controversy for personal or reputational gain cannot be dismissed. His repeated statements that he would 'force his way' to testify before the Madlanga Commission suggest a fixation on visibility over accountability.
IOL News
30-07-2025
- IOL News
Former Hawks chief calls for calm amid controversial comments by Sandton businessman
Godfrey Lebeya, the former head of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, has urged the public to refrain from speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding a stand-off incident involving multiple law enforcement agencies in December. Image: Instagram Former head of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI), known as the Hawks, Godfrey Lebeya, has called on South Africans to stop speculating over who called him during the alleged stand-off between the Hawks and other law-enforcement agencies during an operation outside murder-accused Katiso Molefe's home last December. This comes as Johannesburg businessman and self-styled anti-corruption crusader Malcolm X revealed that his consulting business allows him access to some of the country's leading political figures, including police ministers, police commissioners and top businesspeople. Molefe alongside his three co-accused appeared for their bail application at the Alexandra Magistrates Court recently, where their case was postponed to August 6 with Malcom X - not to be confused with the late African-American civil rights activist -who now finds himself at the centre of a media storm after he claimed that he initiated the call to Lebeya, as law enforcement agencies descended on Molefe's Sandhurst home last year. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading However, Lebeya has indicated that he will not be commenting any further on this matter, as everything will be ventilated once the Commission of Inquiry, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate serious allegations of corruption and criminal infiltration within the South African Police Service (SAPS), kicks-off next month. "Thank you for your inquiry. The critical issue of who called and for what purpose has been settled. Now that the Commission is set to start in August, I shall provide any other details at the Commission. Thank you very much for your understanding," Lebeya stated. At the time of the alleged call by Malcolm X, reports indicate that police were effecting an arrest at Molefe's home concerning the murder of 30-year-old engineer, Armand Swart, who was shot 23 times inside in his vehicle by assailants travelling in a white vehicle, on April 17, 2024. As a result of ballistic reports and additional evidence on the AK47 used in Swart's murder, this week, Molefe was also slapped with additional charges for the alleged murder of another musician, Hector Buthelezi, known as DJ Vintos. The AK47 allegedly used in these two murders is also linked to the violent killing of Don Tindleni, and DJ Sumbody and the DJ's two bodyguards in Woodmead in November 2022. On Tuesday, Malcolm X, who in 2023 also appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate alongside three police officers on two counts of corruption and extortion, confirmed that he phoned Lebeya on the day Katiso 'KT' Molefe was arrested in December 2024, amid ongoing probes into the murder of popular musicians and other high-profile personalities. While speaking during a Space conversation on the social media platform X, the controversial businessman claimed that his consulting business, with interests in mining, law, and engineering has allowed him access to some of the biggest names in various industries. This comes as KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, in a widely circulated press briefing, alleged that certain businesspeople with ties to senior police figures were interfering with investigations. "I run a consulting business. My business allows me freedom and access to ministers, lawyers, doctors, police commissioners, and ministers. If you say you want to meet with the President, I can arrange you are to say to me how Lebeya and I met for the first time. I would say to you, I was consulted by a client, who said, Malcolm, can you meet Lebeya for me for this matter. I said to the client, I can do that. I had not met Lebeya at the time. I had spoken to him before that. I then called him and asked for a meeting, and he invited me to his office in Pretoria, then we met," he said. He added that on the day, he received a call from one of his clients, believed to be related to Molefe, who wanted him to ascertain if the law enforcement agencies outside Molefe's Sandton home were genuine police officers. As a result, he said, he drove for less than five minutes to Molefe's home, where his enquiries were met with resistance, prompting him to call Lebeya. "When one of my clients called me, saying there are people who say they are policemen and women at my brother's house, in Sandhurst, please verify if they are policemen or not. If they are policemen, please ask them if we can involve a lawyer. If my brother is being arrested, they can tell us where they are taking him... I went there and tried to speak to them...I then called the minister of police, but he did not pick up, and then I called Lebeya, and he picked up. I said to him, General, there are people here who claim they are policemen sent by you, the Hawks, but they will not produce their identification, can you verify?" Malcolm X said.
News24
25-06-2025
- Health
- News24
The Hawks' keepers have poisoned our land
The writer questions whether blaming fomer head of the Hawks, Godfrey Lebeya, for circumstances and failings of the body is fair. Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Show Comments ()
IOL News
14-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Legal pressure mounts on NPA and Hawks over Prasa corruption claims
Civil society organisation Open Secrets wants the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to force the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority to fast-track their investigation and prosecution of individuals and companies responsible for looting the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa. Image: SAPS A High Court application has been launched to force the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies implicated in widespread Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) corruption. Open Secrets, a civil society organisation and non-profit company, has hauled outgoing national Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya and National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, to force the law enforcement agencies to act against Siyangena Technologies and Swifambo Rails Leasing, which received lucrative contracts from the country's troubled rail agency. The troubles facing Batohi, who is due to retire early next year, appear to be piling up after she endured a tough few weeks at the helm of the NPA. In its application, Open Secrets states that the two companies were awarded contracts worth billions of rand meant to modernise South Africa's rail system. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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The organisation has asked the court to declare invalid and review and set aside the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation's [DPCI (the Hawks)] failure, within a reasonable time, to complete the investigations into the complaints of corruption and fraud at the Prasa. This is in relation to Prasa's decision to award and conclude the contract with Siyangena and Swifambo, as well as their implementation. In addition, Open Secrets wants the NPA's conduct in failing, within a reasonable time, to see to the completion of those investigations also declared invalid, reviewed, and set aside as well as its inability to take a decision, either to prosecute or not to prosecute, persons implicated or involved in criminal activities, related to the award, conclusion, and implementation of Prasa's contracts with Siyangena and Swifambo. Open Secrets wants the Hawks to be directed to complete their investigations, without further delay, and to take such further steps or file further reports as the court deems just and equitable. It also wants the NPA to be directed to see to the completion of the investigations without further delay, to take a decision, either to prosecute or not to prosecute, persons implicated or involved in criminal activities, relating to Prasa's contracts with Siyangena and Swifambo, and do so without further delay. According to Open Secrets, the NPA should be directed to take such further steps or file such further reports as the court deems just and equitable. 'Due to the delay in the finalisation of the investigations into the alleged corrupt conduct of those who were involved in the award of these contracts, the NPA has consequently not decided whether to prosecute anyone linked to the unlawful Siyangena and Swifambo contracts,' Van Vuuren stated in his affidavit. He added that as a result, an excess of nine years has passed since the criminal complaints were laid in 2015/16, yet no one has been held accountable, contrary to the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, chaired by retired Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Hawks national spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo on Saturday confirmed that the DPCI received the notice of motion and that the matter is currently receiving the necessary attention. 'It is important to note that this is a complex matter requiring thorough investigation and ongoing collaboration among relevant stakeholders. We request time and space to allow investigation to proceed without compromise, to ensure that justice is served,' she said. Open Secrets' Ariella Scher said the Hawks and the NPA have filed their notices to oppose the matter, but not Prasa. NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga did not respond to requests for comment.
