By Mapaballo Borotho

- A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft of 541kg of cocaine worth R200 million from the Hawks’ Port Shepstone storage facility in 2021.
- Lucas Legabe was arrested on 7 August 2026 following an investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation and made his first appearance in Port Shepstone Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 August.
- His case has been postponed to 8 and 9 September for a formal bail application, while investigations continue and further arrests have not been ruled out.
A 49-year-old suspect has been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal for his alleged involvement in the drug consignment that was stolen from the Hawks in Port Shepstone.
The case relates to the November 2021 burglary that led to the theft of 541kg of cocaine worth R200 million at the Hawks’ Port Shepstone storage facility.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says the suspect, Lucas Legabe, appeared before the Port Shepstone Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, in relation to the case.
“His appearance comes after an intense investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Pretoria, which resulted in Legabe being arrested on 07 August 2026.
After his arrest, he was charged and appeared in transit to KwaZulu-Natal in Germiston on 11 August 2026, where he was remanded in custody.
Today, 18 August 2026, Legabe made his first appearance in Port Shepstone,” Mogale confirmed.
Mogale says the case against Legabe was postponed to 8 and 9 September 2026 for a formal bail application.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with police continuing to pursue all those involved. Further arrests have not been ruled out.
The cocaine that was stolen in Port Shepstone was discovered in June 2021 at an Isipingo depot after intelligence pointed to a suspicious shipment.
Due to space constraints at Isipingo Police Station, the drugs – packed in 27 bags – were relocated to the Hawks’ Port Shepstone facility.
This is a developing story. For more updates, follow the story on @Kaya News on X as it unfolds.
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