Late Thursday night in Lombardy East, Johannesburg, a former investigator connected to the high-profile Senzo Meyiwa murder case narrowly escaped an alarming situation.
What started as a routine drive in a state vehicle quickly turned into a terrifying encounter involving an armed robbery and an attempted kidnapping.
Former Investigator Overpowered but Escapes Abduction
According to police reports, the investigator was followed by a group of suspects who forced him to pull over.
The suspects then tried to force him into the trunk of their vehicle.
Fortunately, the investigator fought back and managed to get away without any injuries.
The motive behind this brazen attack is still being looked into by authorities.
Police Assure Evidence and Case Materials Are Safe
South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola reassured the public that none of the original sensitive evidence or critical documents related to the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa case were taken during the incident.
While some items like a state-issued firearm, ammunition, a police reflector jacket, and electronic devices containing copies of case materials were stolen, the original case docket and exhibits remain secure.
Masemola emphasized that copies of the case files had already been disclosed to the defense team since 2022, complying with legal requirements.
He also confirmed that the former investigator involved in the incident is safe and unharmed.
Special Investigation Team Launched to Find Suspects
Following the attack, a dedicated task force led by Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has been set up to investigate the attempted kidnapping and robbery.
Police are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
History of Danger Surrounding the Senzo Meyiwa Case
This incident adds another layer of concern to a case that has been plagued by delays and mysterious developments for over a decade.
In March, anti-crime activist and researcher Mary de Haas publicly warned that individuals involved in the Senzo Meyiwa murder investigation are in grave danger.
De Haas highlighted a pattern of suspicious deaths of witnesses and police officers linked to the case, suggesting a high-level cover-up is at play.
She sent a letter to both the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks, accusing them of not acting on important evidence.
According to reports, those who might have known the truth about the real killers of Senzo Meyiwa, who was tragically murdered in October 2014, have either died or disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
The Trial Continues Despite Recent Events
Police officials have made it clear that the latest attack will not affect the ongoing murder trial.
Only copies of documents such as occurrence books and cell registers were stolen—documents that have already been submitted and examined in court.
General Masemola confirmed that the original case registers and docket are well protected and that the police are investigating whether this incident is linked to the court proceedings.