Madlanga allows undercover cop’s name to be published during testimony on R200m cocaine theft

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has allowed the name of an undercover Crime Intelligence officer to be published for the duration of his evidence at the commission probing the police and criminal justice system. According to The Citizen, the ruling applies while measures remain in place to protect the officer’s identity as an undercover operative.

Ruling and protections

According to The Citizen, Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga made the ruling on Monday, 1 June 2026. The chair said the officer, identified as Lieutenant‑Colonel Duma, would give evidence publicly by audio link while “his face or visual features will be concealed.”

“By agreement and consent between the parties, Lieutenant Colonel Duma’s evidence on 2 June 2026 or until such time that he is excused by the Chairperson, will be heard publicly via audio link and his face or visual features will be concealed,” said Madlanga.

The Citizen reports the ruling bars the media and anyone attending proceedings from publishing or sharing any visual material, such as photos or video, that could reveal Duma’s face.

Why the decision was made public

According to The Citizen, the ruling followed opposition from Daily Maverick and Media24 to an application that Duma’s testimony be heard fully in camera. The commission’s arrangement was described as balancing concerns for the witness’s safety and privacy while ensuring journalists and the public retained access to evidence presented to the commission.

What Duma is expected to cover

According to The Citizen, Duma is scheduled to take the stand on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. His testimony is expected to focus on the theft of cocaine valued at R200 million from a Hawks property in KwaZulu‑Natal.

The Citizen reports that the theft occurred in November 2021 when suspects entered the exhibit storage facility through its windows and stole 541kg of cocaine. The site’s alarm system was not operational at the time. A case of theft and business burglary was opened.

Related evidence presented to the commission

According to The Citizen, Hendrik Flynn, a Hawks Major‑General and head of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, gave evidence about operational failures and questionable decisions that preceded the November 2021 break‑in at a Hawks facility in Port Shepstone.

The Citizen reports Flynn testified that major transit points for drug trafficking typically include OR Tambo International Airport, Lebombo Border Post and the Durban harbour.

Scope of the Madlanga Commission

According to The Citizen, the Madlanga Commission is probing allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the South African Police Service and the criminal justice system. The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations made by Lieutenant‑General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025.