The father of Durban tow truck operator Bevan Loftus has told the Madlanga Commission that he believes police murdered his son during a 2023 operation.
Gregory Loftus testified on Thursday that his son was killed “in cold blood” on 1 April 2023.
He alleged that police officers acted under the guise of a legitimate operation and linked the killing to Bevan’s rivalry with tow truck operator Clive Naicker.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
Interdict sought day before shooting
Loftus, a former police officer, told the commission that Bevan had been warned that then-captain Deena Govender planned to kill him.
On 31 March 2023, Loftus deposed an affidavit supporting an application aimed at preventing Govender and SAPS members from allegedly murdering his son.
Bevan was killed the following day with four other men at an apartment in Morningside, Durban.
Police said at the time that officers were conducting a drug operation when suspects opened fire and police retaliated.
Investigator questions police account
Retired police officer Ashley Houston also testified on Thursday, questioning the official version of events.
After reviewing officers’ statements, the layout of the apartment, body positions and weapons involved, Houston said it was “highly improbable” that events unfolded as police claimed.
He said the evidence he examined did not appear consistent with a prolonged shootout.
Ipid investigator Len John had testified a day earlier that Govender allegedly deployed members of a cash-in-transit task team to kill Loftus at Naicker’s insistence.
Conflicting claims about Loftus
Gregory Loftus rejected allegations that his son was involved in drugs or killings.
He said Bevan earned his living through towing and taxi businesses and argued that claims of criminality were used to justify targeting him.
Houston offered a different assessment, describing Bevan as a “notorious figure” and alleging he had links to the Hollywood gang.
He recalled previously arresting Loftus for intimidation.
The commission has not made findings on the competing accounts.
Its hearings continue as it investigates claims of criminality, corruption and political interference within South Africa’s justice and law-enforcement structures.