WATCH | 'I am being used as a pawn to discredit General Mkhwanazi' - KZN Hawks Deena Govender
KZN Hawks officer Deenadayalan Govender faces tough questions at the Madlanga Commission over an alleged R2.5m hit, suspicious cash deposits and staged police shootings.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Lieutenant-Colonel Deenadayalan Govender commenced his testimony before the Madlanga Commission on Friday, airing voice recordings as the commission probes police operations in KwaZulu-Natal. Allegations focus on the 2023 killing of tow-truck operator Bevan Loftus, allegedly orchestrated by tow-truck rival Clive Naicker for R2.5 million. Govender, however, denies any involvement or knowledge of such a contract.
Govender claimed Bevan owned a tow truck business but had no information about assassination threats or a contract to kill him. He also denied allegations by Gregory Loftus, Bevan's father, that they were intimidated by Govender. On the day of the shooting, Govender stated he entered the flat only after the shooting began. He reported finding 197 rounds of ammunition, numerous drugs, seven rifles, and R400,000 at the crime scene. Govender did not oversee processing the crime scene.
He alleged Bevan was part of the Hollywood Gang and responsible for a girl's death in Wentworth. Bevan was wanted by police since December 2022. Govender said gang shootings in Durban had decreased after Bevan's death. Regarding the Loftus family, Govender affirmed the Anti-Gang team did not engage in misconduct. He also expressed feeling unfairly targeted by Len John of IPID, accusing him of attempting to discredit KZN Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Govender claimed he lacked bank statements and would provide a supplementary affidavit to address allegations about his wife's financial affairs, property acquisition, and deposits. He stated he was not given an opportunity to respond to these allegations.
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