Madlanga Commission Hears Secret Testimony About the Hawks Cocaine Theft

Who Is Witness H and Why the Hearing Is Private

The commission has called a criminal‑investigation officer known only as “Witness H” to give evidence on Friday, May 8 2026. Because the information she could share is highly sensitive, the session will be held in camera – no cameras, no live stream, and the public will not hear or see anything.

The Reason Behind the Closed‑Door Session

Witness H’s lawyer, Thabiso Lesufi, filed an affidavit explaining why the testimony must stay confidential. The affidavit argues that releasing details now could:

• Alert suspects still under investigation
• Lead to the destruction of evidence
• Expose confidential informants who have helped police
• Jeopardize other ongoing probes that are linked to this case

The lawyer also asked that the witness’s name, the affidavit, and any transcripts remain out of the public record.

How the Cocaine Disappeared – A Quick Timeline

The Initial Seizure

In 2020, officers at the Hawks compound in Port Shepstone seized 541 kilograms of cocaine worth about R200 million. The drugs were meant to be stored safely while the case proceeded.

Space Problems and a Move

Sixteen months earlier, the SAP13 store at Isipingo Police Station had been holding 547 kilograms of Mandrax. When that storage filled up, there was no room for the new cocaine haul. Authorities decided to move the cocaine to a DPCI warehouse in Port Shepstone.

The Break‑In

Later, a mysterious break‑in occurred at that warehouse, and the cocaine bricks vanished. The commission is trying to figure out how the theft happened and who might be responsible.

What Major General Hendrik Flynn Told the Commission

Major General Flynn, who leads the serious organized crime division at the SAPS Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, testified that the theft was not a random accident. He said:

• The cocaine was taken from the Hawks compound deliberately.
• Major General Lesetja Senona, the KZN Hawks chief, followed proper key‑control procedures for the Port Shepstone warehouse.
• The drugs were never stored at Maydon Wharf, Brighton Beach, Umbilo, or Durban Central – they ended up only in the DPCI warehouse.

Why Witness H’s Testimony Matters

Witness H is described as a key member of the investigation team with deep knowledge of:

• The original seizure of the drugs at the Port of Durban
• How police handle and store seized narcotics
• The inner workings of the ongoing probe into the Port Shepstone theft

Her insights could reveal whether procedural gaps allowed the theft, whether any officers were involved, and what steps are needed to prevent similar losses in the future.

Balancing Transparency and Security

The commission must weigh the public’s right to know against the need to protect active investigations. The affidavit stresses that, at this stage, releasing specifics could:

• Tip off suspects still at large
• Compromise strategies that rely on secrecy
• Endanger the lives of informants who have already helped police

Because the investigation is still unfolding and connected to other cases, the commission has agreed to keep Witness H’s statements private for now.

What Happens Next?

After the private hearing, the commission will review Witness H’s testimony along with other evidence. Depending on what is uncovered, further public hearings, arrests, or policy changes could follow. For now, the focus stays on gathering facts without jeopardizing the probe.

Conclusion

The Madlanga Commission’s decision to hear Witness H behind closed doors shows how seriously it treats the Hawks cocaine theft. While the public may wonder what was said, the secrecy aims to protect the investigation, safeguard informants, and increase the chances of catching those responsible. As the case continues, more details may emerge – but only when it is safe to share them.