The BBC has obtained evidence that members of South Africa's special forces killed senior detective Charl Kinnear in 2020. The evidence was shared with the broadcaster by a team of independent researchers.
Kinnear was shot outside his home in the Cape Town suburb of Bishop Lavis on September 18, 2020. He was investigating gang networks and allegations of police corruption at the time of his death.
What the Evidence Shows
According to the dossier, the attackers were part of a covert unit operating under special forces command. The evidence includes statements from four former operators and internal military documents.
One former operator told the BBC that the unit received orders from a senior military officer. The operator said the killing was carried out to stop Kinnear's investigation into senior police officials.
The dossier also contains cellphone data that places several suspects in the area of the shooting, the researchers said. The BBC has not independently verified these claims.
Background of the Case
Kinnear had received multiple death threats before his murder. He was the third anti-crime official to be killed in Cape Town within 18 months at that time.
Police arrested several people in connection with the killing in 2021, but no one has been charged with the murder. The case has remained open.
- Kinnear was a colonel in the South African Police Service.
- He led investigations into the underworld and corrupt officers.
- His murder led to public protests and calls for reform.
Official Reaction
The South African military has denied the allegations. A spokesperson called the claims "baseless" and said special forces do not conduct operations inside the country.
The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that it received the dossier from the researchers. A spokesperson said the authority would review the material and decide whether to open a new investigation.
The Inspector General of the military has also been asked to conduct an internal inquiry, according to a letter seen by the BBC.
Context on Special Forces
South African special forces have been accused of extrajudicial killings in the past. A parliamentary report in 2021 examined allegations of hit squads within police and military units.
Legal experts say the new evidence could revive a dormant investigation. They note that the murder has not been resolved and that the statute of limitations does not apply to murder cases.
The BBC report comes six years after Kinnear's death. His widow, who spoke to the broadcaster, said the evidence gives her hope that the family will finally learn the truth.
What Comes Next
The National Prosecuting Authority is expected to announce a decision within 30 days. If the authority opens a case, investigators could seek to question active and retired military personnel.
The independent researchers said they will share additional material with the South African Human Rights Commission. They have also offered to assist the official investigation with forensic analysis.