The death of former deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sindile “Pitso” Mfazi continues to raise questions, with the latest development involving his son and a firearm that belonged to the late police general.
Mfazi died on 8 July 2021, initially with his death attributed to Covid-19 complications. His death has since been reopened as a murder investigation after toxicology findings indicated that he had been poisoned.
A firearm linked to the late general
According to Sunday World, Mfazi’s son is now facing theft and illegal firearm possession charges in East London after allegedly being found in possession of his late father’s firearm.
The firearm has become another point of interest surrounding the Mfazi family, coming as authorities continue investigating the circumstances around the senior police officer’s death.
Mfazi was one of the country’s most senior crime-fighting officers and was involved in several sensitive investigations before his death.
Mfazi’s controversial death
For years, Mfazi’s death was treated as a Covid-related fatality. His widow, Lindelwa “Malindi” Mfazi, however, disputed that explanation and pushed for further investigation.
His body was subsequently exhumed, with toxicology tests finding evidence of poison. The matter has since been reclassified as a murder investigation.
The developments have reignited scrutiny of the events surrounding his final days, including allegations that sensitive investigative material may have disappeared from his home after his death.
The investigations he left behind
Mfazi was investigating sensitive matters within the South African Police Service, including allegations surrounding the misuse of crime intelligence resources.
He was also probing issues connected to the fallout from the Phala Phala farm burglary and had been involved in an investigation into procurement irregularities involving Covid-19 personal protective equipment worth about R1.6 billion.
His personal diary and pocketbook, which contained records of investigations, meetings and calls, have since been handed to the team investigating his suspected murder.
Questions continue to pile up
The latest case involving his son adds another twist to a story that has already involved allegations of poisoning, missing investigative files and claims of interference in police investigations.
Two police officers have also faced allegations linked to the removal of files from the scene of Mfazi’s death, although one of those implicated has denied entering the house or removing evidence.
For the Mfazi family, the firearm case unfolds against the much bigger backdrop of their continued search for answers over what happened to the former top cop.
The murder investigation remains ongoing, while the legal process involving his son will determine the circumstances surrounding the firearm and the charges against him.
