The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially reclassified the 2021 death of Lieutenant-General Sindile Mfazi from an inquest to a full-scale murder investigation. The former Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, who initially passed away in July 2021 amid reports of COVID-19 complications, is now the focus of a probe following the discovery of toxic substances during a forensic examination.
Investigation And Forensic Findings
Following suspicions raised by his family, Mfazi’s body was exhumed for an independent forensic analysis shortly after his death. Toxicology reports have confirmed the presence of a poisonous substance in the late commissioner’s system, identified by investigators as liquid casting resin.
As of July 2026, the investigation has escalated significantly, with police executing search warrants at four locations across Gauteng. Speaking at a media briefing, Police Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the current status of the operation: “We have raided four premises today, two offices and two residential properties, and we are currently interviewing a person of interest.”
Contextual Significance And Professional Background
At the time of his passing, Lieutenant-General Mfazi held a critical position within the SAPS, overseeing high-level investigations into police corruption. Records indicate that he was actively involved in probing a massive R1.6 billion procurement scandal involving Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) within the organisation.
The progression of this case marks a pivotal moment in the National Cold Case Unit’s efforts to resolve high-profile internal police matters. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the interview with the person of interest continues and forensic evidence is processed further.