KZN Hawks Chief to Face Madlanga Commission Again
The Missing Cocaine Case
Major‑General Lesetja Senona, the head of the KwaZulu‑Natal Hawks, is scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission on Friday. He will be asked to explain what happened to a large cache of cocaine that vanished from police custody in 2021.
What Happened in 2021
In early 2021 officers seized 541 kilograms of cocaine during a raid. The drugs were packed in 27 canvas bags, each holding 20 one‑kilogram bricks wrapped in black and yellow plastic. After the seizure, Senona authorised moving the stash to the Port Shepstone DPCI offices for safekeeping.
How the Drugs Were Stored
The cocaine was placed in a walk‑in strongroom that had previously stored mandrax and hashish. Access to the room was controlled by a key‑booking system, with limited entry points and monitored movement. Despite these safeguards, the entire amount later disappeared.
The Break‑In Theory
When the missing drugs were reported, investigators launched an internal probe and a forensic inspection. Evidence suggested that thieves may have entered the building by breaking into a neighbouring hardware store, climbing over a partition gate, and forcing their way into the DPCI premises.
What the Commission Has Heard So Far
During earlier hearings, the commission heard testimony about the seizure, the storage procedures, and the discovery of the theft. Senona’s previous appearance outlined how the cocaine became one of the most notable security failures in recent policing history.
Details of the Seizure
Officers found 27 canvas bags, each containing 20 one‑kilogram bricks of cocaine. The bricks were wrapped in distinctive black and yellow plastic, making them easy to identify.
Inside‑Job Suspicions
The commission has noted that the method of entry points to an inside job rather than a simple lapse in security. Investigators are looking at whether someone with knowledge of the key‑booking system facilitated the breach.
Looking Ahead
Senona’s upcoming testimony is expected to begin at 9:30 am. His answers could shed light on whether procedural gaps, human error, or deliberate misconduct led to the loss of the drugs.
Conclusion
The Madlanga Commission’s Friday session will be a key moment in uncovering the truth behind the 2021 cocaine theft. Senona’s perspective may clarify whether the loss was a security failure, an inside operation, or a combination of factors, and could influence future protocols for handling high‑value exhibits within the Hawks.
