Hawks colonel admits procedural failures in 541kg Isipingo cocaine seizure

Colonel Gavin Jacob, commander of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Durban, told the Madlanga Commission that he failed to follow official procedures during a major drug seizure in KwaZulu‑Natal.

What Jacob told the commission

Jacob was testifying about a 2021 operation in Isipingo in which police intercepted a shipping container carrying 541 kilograms of cocaine. Those drugs were later stolen from Hawks offices in Port Shepstone, a theft that has prompted national scrutiny of how the evidence was handled and secured.

Under cross‑examination, Jacob admitted several shortcomings in how the matter was managed. He acknowledged that he returned from leave to work on the case without informing his direct commander. He also conceded that entries in his investigation diary were inaccurate, including claims that customs officials and members of the Operational Response Service had been involved in the operation.

Compliance with national instructions

Co‑commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo questioned Jacob about whether he had complied with national instructions governing drug seizures. When asked whether he had fully complied with the required procedures based on the evidence presented, Jacob replied:

“Honestly, no, I haven’t complied fully.”

Aftermath and significance

The testimony is expected to increase scrutiny of both the handling of the Isipingo seizure and the subsequent theft of the cocaine from police custody. Jacob is expected to resume his testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Thursday.