Laurence Makgotloe (Photo: @abramjee/X)
Capt. Laurence Makgotloe (54), a ballistics expert from the police who is suspected of having sabotaged a ballistics report in the murder of an engineer from Vereeniging, has been released on bail.
Makgotloe is suspected of having doctored the report to protect Armand Swart’s alleged hired killers. He was arrested at his home in May. He is on trial on charges of being an accomplice to the commission of a murder, as well as charges of illegal possession of ammunition and obstruction of justice.
The charges against him were brought after evidence was reportedly found in his possession related to prominent murder cases that are still under investigation. One of these cases is the murder of the 30-year-old Swart.
Swart murdered on 17 April 2024 in his vehicle outside his workplace at Q-Tech Engineering Company in Vereeniging. He was shot at least 17 times.
Also read: Policeman arrested after man is shot in bakkie
Armand Swart with his parents, Christo and Ronel. (Photo: Archive)
Two suspects were apprehended soon after. They were found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In the course of the investigation, the evidence was given to Makgotloe for forensic examination. After the investigation, he reportedly submitted inaccurate reports to his seniors. He later collected it and did not return it.
The state also argues that Makgotloe later removed the firearm and ammunition to prevent further investigation. He allegedly never returned them as evidence either.
In February this year, Makgotloe testified before the Madlanga commission of inquiry into the murder of Swart. After further investigations based on that, he was arrested in May.
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has now released him on bail of R15 000. Makgotloe may not visit his workplace, he must inform the investigating officer before he visits any police station, may not interfere with the investigation and witnesses and must hand in his passport within five days.
Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), says the state opposed Makgotloe’s bail because he could possibly interfere with the witnesses. There was also concern that he could cover up evidence because he is a police officer.
“However, the magistrate found that it is in the interest of justice that the accused be released on bail.”
The case was adjourned until August for further investigation.