Ballistic evidence in murder of Armand Swart was mishandled, Madlanga Commission hears

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard that the ballistic evidence in the murder case of Vereeniging engineer Armand Swart was mishandled.

Captain Solomon Modisane, a senior forensic analyst at the South African Police Service (SAPS), disclosed this during his testimony on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Madlanga Inquiry to focus on Katiso Molefe, his alleged role in murders of DJ Sumbody, Armand Swart

It’s been 18 months since Swart was murdered in what was a case of mistaken identity, after his company exposed irregularities in the awarding of a Transnet tender.

Modisane said ballistic tests on the firearms linked to Swart’s murder were conducted by at different forensic laboratories, which he describes as highly irregular.

"I spoke to warrant officer Cadre about this case because for me, it was bizarre why this case was examined in Pretoria and again in KZN. He advised me that the investigating officers requested that the firearms be examined in Amanzimtoti by an independent analyst."