Man in blue suspected of killing lead investigator

Lead investigator in the Mdlalose Tavern massacre Det-Sgt Gavin Ndlovu was gunned down by a man in police uniform, it has emerged.

Sowetan understands that the white VW Polo driven by the alleged killer had been driving around the gated neighbourhood for days just a week before Ndlovu’s killing on March 12.

A friend said that Ndlovu told those close to him that he was investigating a case that would get him killed.

“I would always tell him not to talk like that, not knowing it would get him killed,” the friend said.

Yesterday, Sowetan reported that an internal police incident report revealed that Ndlovu was gunned down by a person known to him while his daughter and neighbour were injured.

The incident happened in Protea Glen Ext 35, Soweto, at about 9.10pm.

Ndlovu was driving a state vehicle – a white VW Polo – with his daughter in the front seat and his neighbour and her granddaughter in the back.

“The member [Ndlovu] was sitting with his daughter in [the] front seat. When they were busy talking, a white Polo emerged from behind and parked next to the state car. The member called the driver of the Polo by name and asked him what he was doing in his area.

“The driver of the white Polo opened the window and started shooting at the member several times. The white Polo with unknown registration plates drove away,” read the report.

The friend further revealed details that emerged at Ndlovu’s funeral service.

“The police officer held a docket in his hand and said it was the reason Ndlovu was killed. He said Ndlovu had come close to cracking the case and had given it to him for safe-keeping,” said the friend.

“He said this docket is the reason Ndlovu is not here now. He said they knew where to look for his killers but to date there are no arrests.”

Gauteng police spokesperson Brig Brenda Muridili confirmed there were no arrests and that investigations were ongoing.

She did not respond to questions about whether the alleged killer is a cop or not, if they have his name and if the suspect was involved in the Mdlalose Tavern mass killings in July 2022.

Sowetan is withholding the name of the alleged killer.

“It’s been three months since he was killed. We want answers. We want to know why he was killed," said the friend.

“He was a good person. He was generous, kind and was always willing to assist people.

“May he fight from his grave.” 

On Monday, the National Prosecuting Authoring (NPA) said it had withdrawn charges against all six accused in the Mdlalose Tavern shooting after a thorough analysis of the contents of the dockets.

The massacre which shocked the nation claimed the lives of 16 people at the tavern in Nomzamo in Orlando East, Soweto.

Several patrons were also injured.

“The NPA concluded that there are no prospects of a successful prosecution, as requests for further investigation were not complied with due to witnesses fearing for their lives or witnesses subsequently losing their lives,” said Mjonondwane.

sibiyan@sowetan.co.za