Madlanga Commission Probes R200m Cocaine Theft From Hawks Offices In KZN

Nearly five years after 541 kilograms of cocaine vanished from Hawks premises in KwaZulu-Natal, the Madlanga Commission has been told that the investigation is now gaining traction.

The Hawks’ head of serious organised crime investigations, Major General Hendrick Flynn, is appearing before the commission on Tuesday to outline developments in the matter.

His testimony is expected to shed light on the June 2021 theft, when a large consignment of cocaine was taken from a Hawks facility in Port Shepstone.

Investigation Into R200m Cocaine Seizure And Theft Gains Momentum

The commission has expanded its scope this week, turning attention to a series of drug busts conducted by law enforcement agencies.

In June 2021, officials acted on intelligence pointing to a suspicious shipment at the Isipingo Depot, located south of Durban. Authorities discovered cocaine worth an estimated R200 million concealed inside a shipping container.

The drugs were confiscated and later stored at the Hawks’ Port Shepstone offices. However, five months after the seizure, all 541 kilograms were stolen from the facility.

Security Lapses And Possible Inside Job Under Scrutiny

Early findings highlighted weaknesses in security at the site, fuelling suspicions that the theft may have involved insiders.

Flynn told the commission’s evidence leader, Advocate Lee Segeels-Ncube, that meaningful developments have since been made in the investigation.

Asked Ncube: “There were only real developments after your [2024] appointment as component head. Is that coincidental?”

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Replied Flynn: “I don’t know if it’s coincidental, but I can confirm there is substantial progress in the investigation.”

The commission is expected to hear from two additional witnesses later this week, as proceedings continue into the circumstances surrounding the high-profile drug theft.