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 cocaine haul, valued at more than R200 million, was seized in Isipingo, Durban, in June 2021 and placed under police custody pending forensic analysis.
According to forensic drug analyst Warrant Officer Bheki Setshedi, only a small sample of the seized drugs was submitted to the Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis in July 2021, a month after the seizure.
Setshedi testified that the investigating officer in the case, Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Jacob, did not submit the entire 541kg consignment as required.
The commission further heard that Jacob allegedly enquired about the possibility of destroying the drugs before they had been subjected to forensic analysis.
Setshedi told the inquiry that he raised concerns about discussions surrounding the handling and analysis of the drug exhibits and denied allegations that he had worked with Jacob to remove seven bricks of cocaine for sampling.
Five months after the drug bust, the remaining cocaine consignment was allegedly stolen during a break-in at the Hawks’ offices.
During his testimony, Setshedi’s version of events added to concerns already before the commission regarding the management of the evidence.
The inquiry also heard that at least three witnesses have accused Jacob of being untruthful in relation to aspects of the matter.
Jacob, who serves as the Unit Commander of the Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit within the Hawks, is expected to take the stand before the commission on Wednesday, 03 June 2026.
He has been accused of wrongdoing relating to the handling of the 541kg cocaine consignment and is expected to respond to the allegations raised by witnesses.
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.
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