By Mapaballo Borotho
- The Madlanga Commission heard that only a small sample of a 541kg cocaine consignment seized in Durban in 2021 was submitted for forensic analysis.
- Forensic analyst Bheki Setshedi alleged that investigating officer Lt-Col Gavin Jacob failed to submit the entire consignment and had enquired about destroying the drugs before analysis.
- The remaining cocaine was allegedly stolen during a break-in at Hawks’ offices five months later, and Jacob is expected to testify before the commission.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard fresh allegations regarding the handling of a 541kg cocaine consignment seized in KwaZulu-Natal in 2021.
The matter relates to a massive cocaine haul, valued at more than R200 million, that was discovered in a container at Durban Harbour in June 2021 before being seized during an operation in Isipingo.
Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Jacob, the Unit Commander of the Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit within the Hawks, is currently testifying before the commission regarding the handling of the consignment.
Jacob told the commission that prior to the Isipingo drug bust, he had never been involved in a cocaine seizure of that magnitude.
He further testified that he received information about the shipment from Lieutenant Colonel Jabulani Duma, which ultimately led to the operation and seizure of the drugs.
“The information was that there was a container in Isipingo with suspected cocaine inside. We met with Captain Duma in the Isipingo area, where he informed us about the cocaine. When the container was placed, I noticed the original seal was in place as per the document furnished; I immediately suspected that this was a rip-off load,” he told the commission on Wednesday, 03 May 2026.
On Tuesday, the commission heard allegations that only a small sample of the seized drugs was submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis.
According to forensic drug analyst Warrant Officer Bheki Setshedi, the sample was delivered to the laboratory in July 2021, a month after the seizure.
Setshedi testified that Jacob did not submit the entire 541kg consignment for forensic analysis as required.
The inquiry also heard allegations that Jacob enquired about the possibility of destroying the drugs before they had been subjected to forensic analysis.
During his testimony, Setshedi denied claims that he had worked with Jacob to remove seven bricks of cocaine for sampling and raised concerns about discussions surrounding the handling and analysis of the drug exhibits.
Five months after the drug bust, the remaining cocaine consignment was allegedly stolen during a break-in at the Hawks’ offices, raising further questions about the management of the evidence.
Gavin Jacob is also the same officer to whom former Crime Intelligence operative Karl Sander reported. Sander previously made allegations of corruption involving several senior law enforcement officials.
The commission continues to hear evidence relating to the seizure, storage and eventual disappearance of the cocaine consignment.
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