The Madlanga Commission received critical testimony today as the Hawks detailed how officers conducted the Molefe Raid at the home of KT Molefe. The operation was part of an expanding corruption investigation involving alleged financial misconduct. Officers described the takedown, the warrant process, and the evidence they collected during the early-morning operation. South Africans followed updates live through Lotus FM, underscoring the national interest in the case. The testimony matters because it shapes the credibility of the raid and the strength of the ongoing corruption probe.
The Hawks executed the Molefe Raid under a court-issued search warrant. Officers arrived at the residence shortly after sunrise, secured the perimeter, and entered the property. According to the testimony, the team followed operational procedures that included presenting the warrant, identifying occupants, and recording every item taken from the scene. Officers removed electronic devices, banking documents, storage drives, and correspondence believed to be linked to the corruption allegations. The commission was given a timeline of the operation, from arrival to final evidence sealing.
Officers told the commission that the Molefe Raid was launched after investigators received information suggesting irregular financial activities. The lead investigator explained that the team went through standard planning steps, including site familiarisation, risk assessment, and assignment of roles. He stated that each officer carried a body camera to verify actions taken inside the property. Officers emphasised that all collected evidence was sealed immediately. They also said no confrontation occurred and that Molefe cooperated while officers completed the search.
Commission members questioned the officers on several operational points. They asked whether the Hawks had accurate intelligence before launching the Molefe Raid. They also inquired about the chain of custody for each seized item, the number of officers involved, and whether the search extended to vehicles or outbuildings. Officials pressed the lead investigator on the legal wording of the warrant and whether officers stayed within its limits. The commission requested supplemental documents, including the evidence logs and internal operation briefings.
The Hawks presented a summary of the evidence obtained during the Molefe Raid. Items included smartphones, laptops, external hard drives, accounting ledgers, transaction slips, and printed contracts. Officers said investigators believe key digital records could connect individuals to suspicious financial flows. They confirmed that all devices were transported to forensic analysts for data extraction. The commission heard that the evidence will undergo imaging to preserve original files before analysis begins. The Hawks insisted that evidence handling followed legal and professional standards.
Social media discussions increased rapidly after the testimony began. Users debated whether the Molefe Raid signals a deeper corruption network or a targeted investigation limited to Molefe’s activities. Some criticised the Hawks, questioning their timing and approach. Others expressed relief that the commission is examining every detail openly. Live Lotus FM coverage generated real-time reactions, with many listeners requesting updates as the hearing progressed. The discussion highlighted strong public interest in the case and growing expectations for transparency during corruption investigations.
The Molefe Raid is a central event in the corruption investigation. The commission must determine whether the operation followed lawful procedures and whether the Hawks collected evidence correctly. If the testimony is validated, the findings could strengthen the broader case against Molefe and any associated individuals. If procedural flaws appear, parts of the evidence could be challenged. The testimony also influences public confidence in the Hawks, which is important at a time when corruption cases face increasing scrutiny.
A representative for the Hawks told reporters outside the venue that the agency stands by the operation and believes the Molefe Raid was conducted legally. He added that the team followed every listed instruction in the warrant. Commission officials, however, said they will review additional documents before forming any conclusions. They noted that more witnesses will be called, including forensic analysts and administrative officers responsible for evidence logging. Both sides agreed that transparency is necessary to ensure the commission’s findings are trusted.
Forensic teams are now examining the digital devices collected in the Molefe Raid. Analysts will look for communications, financial records, file transfers, and metadata that may support or contradict the allegations. The commission heard that some devices require deep data recovery because of encrypted files or deleted content. Investigators expect a full technical report in the coming weeks. The results will help shape future hearings and determine whether the evidence strengthens the corruption case or raises new questions.
Media outlets across South Africa continued covering the hearing closely. Journalists highlighted key statements from officers, focusing on their explanation of how the takedown was executed. Several newsrooms noted that the commission chamber was filled with observers, including legal teams, activists, and ordinary citizens. Lotus FM’s live reporting became a primary source for updates. Analysts said the testimony marks one of the most detailed public accounts of the Molefe Raid since the operation took place.
The Madlanga Commission will review the testimony alongside the upcoming forensic reports. More witnesses will appear to clarify operational details and explain links between seized evidence and the corruption claims. If inconsistencies emerge, the commission may recall the Hawks for further questioning. After all testimonies are completed, the commission will prepare interim findings followed by a final report. These conclusions may lead to legal action, disciplinary measures, or recommendations for broader policy reforms.
