A former police general has been arrested as investigators continue probing the suspected murder of Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi, with documents and electronic devices seized during a raid on his Centurion home believed to be relevant to the investigation.
The arrest was reported on Tuesday, 20 October, following an investigation by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Cold Case Unit.
According to News24, the 57-year-old former officer, who left the police service in 2009, was found in possession of more than 100 rounds of SAPS-issued ammunition, including ammunition for R5 rifles and 9mm firearms.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspect faces a charge of unlawful possession of ammunition in contravention of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. He is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
The arrest follows a search-and-seizure operation conducted at the former general’s Centurion home on 6 July 2026.
During the operation, investigators seized documents and electronic devices believed to be relevant to the investigation into Mfazi’s death.
The latest developments have drawn further attention to the investigation, which was reopened after questions were raised about the circumstances surrounding the senior police officer’s death in July 2021.
South African social media personality Baas Kruger, who presents herself as an independent investigative journalist, has claimed that the former police general was arrested in connection with an alleged conspiracy to murder Mfazi.
Her claim differs from the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition reported by mainstream media. It remains unclear whether conspiracy to murder is an additional charge or whether the claim relates to information that has not yet been made public.
Mfazi’s death was initially attributed to COVID-19 complications. However, his body was exhumed after concerns were raised about the circumstances surrounding his death, and toxicology testing reportedly detected a poisonous substance. The case was subsequently investigated as murder.
Mfazi had served as deputy national commissioner for crime detection and was involved in sensitive investigations before his death, including matters relating to police intelligence and alleged corruption.
The latest arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, although police have not publicly established a direct link between the ammunition allegedly found at the former general’s home and Mfazi’s death.
