R300k from mother-in-law, 37 ATM deposits and a R2.5m hit: Govender grilled
Deena Govender faced tough questions over R300k from his mother-in-law, 37 ATM deposits and an alleged R2.5m hit on Bevan Loftus at the Madlanga Inquiry.
South African KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Colonel Deena Govender appeared before the Madlanga Commission on Monday to address a series of allegations and concerns. Over R300,000 in cash, totaling 37 separate ATM deposits of R10,000 each, were deposited within roughly an hour, which Govender claimed was from his mother-in-law to finance a property purchase. This explanation was met with skepticism from the commission chair, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who labeled it "nonsensical."
Companion Commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo questioned the unusual method of carrying such a large amount of cash and repeatedly depositing it into an ATM, suggesting it may indicate money laundering. Govender denied receiving any money from rival tow-truck operator Clive Naicker to arrange the killing of Bevan Loftus, a tow-truck operator, during a 2023 police operation.
Instead, he described the allegation as a fabrication. Loftus's father, Gregory, claimed that the killing was an assassination disguised as a legitimate police operation.
The commission has heard that Gregory Loftus alleged a R2.5 million hit was offered for his son's murder. Additionally, investigators are questioning a financial trail of around R2.7 million involving Govender and his wife, unrelated to the Loftus case. Govender claimed his dealings with Gregory Loftus were part of efforts to locate Bevan in connection with gang-related investigations and alleged shootings.
He accused his father of helping him evade police questioning or arrest. His testimony has been postponed to a later date.
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