Poisoned to Death: South Africa's Deputy National Police Commissioner Dies Under Mysterious Circumstances

Strategic Insights -

Deputy National Police Commissioner of Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi, died in July after being poisoned with casting resin, a toxic chemical used in the manufacture of moulds, plastic toys, and figurines. The official explanation of his death due to COVID-19-related complications was disputed by police sources, who claimed that Mfazi was poisoned while investigating corruption within the force. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that a criminal investigation into the matter is underway, but the nature of the investigation remains unclear.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi, the second-highest-ranking police commander in South Africa, died in July after being poisoned with casting resin.
  • The official explanation of his death due to COVID-19-related complications was disputed by police sources, who claimed that Mfazi was poisoned while investigating corruption within the force.
  • The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that a criminal investigation into the matter is underway.
  • Mfazi was 59 at the time of his death and was allegedly investigating the irregular procurement of R1.6 Billion worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Mpho Kwinika, general secretary of the Independent Policing Union of SA, warned that the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mfazi's death are alarming and suggest a "toxic environment" within the police service.
  • Kwinika also expressed concern that Mfazi's role in crime intelligence makes South Africa's situation particularly worrying.

Statistics:

  • R1.6 Billion: the value of personal protective equipment (PPE) allegedly irregularly procured by the SAPS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • 59: the age of Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi at the time of his death.
  • July: the month in which Mfazi died.

Sources:

  • News 24: "Police source: Mfazi was poisoned, not died of COVID-19"
  • Daily Maverick: "Mfazi's body exhumed amid allegations of foul play"
  • SAPS press release: "Death of Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi"
  • Interview with Brigadier Vish Naidoo, SAPS spokesman