Police believe they are making significant progress in the investigation into the death of former Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection Sindile Mfazi. The development follows a series of coordinated raids carried out at four properties on Monday night.
Authorities have now formally reclassified the matter as a murder investigation after forensic evidence contradicted the initial belief that Mfazi had died from COVID-19. Investigators say the latest operations form part of efforts to identify everyone involved in the alleged killing.
Police have also confirmed that several high-profile individuals have been identified as persons of interest in the case.
Sindile Mfazi Murder Investigation Takes Major Turn
The Sindile Mfazi murder investigation has shifted dramatically since his death in 2021. At the time, the former senior police officer was believed to have died after contracting COVID-19.
According to police, Mfazi tested positive for the virus in July 2021 after reporting that he was feeling unwell. His health deteriorated rapidly within 24 hours, and he was later found dead at his home in Pretoria by a colleague.
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Subsequent forensic examinations, however, detected traces of poison in his system. The findings prompted investigators to abandon the original conclusion and pursue the case as a suspected murder.
Police Identify Persons Of Interest In Former Top Cop’s Death
The police investigation has identified several prominent individuals as persons of interest who may have played a role in facilitating Mfazi’s death. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of those being investigated.
Mfazi’s family had long questioned the official explanation that COVID-19 caused his death. Similar concerns were raised five months ago during proceedings before Parliament’s police corruption ad hoc committee.
During those hearings, Crime Intelligence officers testified about the possibility that the former detective chief had been deliberately poisoned.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said investigators are now convinced that Mfazi was murdered.
“The evidence will lead us to why anyone would want the then-deputy national police commissioner for crime detection killed. Obviously, he was the head of detectives and Crime Intelligence. So, who would want him killed?”
Police Probe Possible Link To PPE Corruption Investigations
The Sindile Mfazi case is also examining whether his death may have been connected to investigations he handled while serving as head of detectives. One area under scrutiny is his work on high-profile Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) corruption cases.
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Mathe said investigators are exploring whether those investigations could provide a motive for the alleged murder. Police have indicated that the inquiry remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence following the latest raids.
The investigation marks a significant development in a case that has remained unresolved for several years, with authorities expressing confidence that they are moving closer to uncovering what happened to the former senior police official.
