Madlanga inquiry to hear Hawks commander as probe into missing R200m cocaine deepens

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will hear testimony on Wednesday from Hawks commander Brigadier Campbell Nyuswa as its probe into the disappearance of a large seizure of cocaine enters a crucial phase. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 9:30am, led by evidence leaders Adv Lee Segeels-Ncube and Adv Mahlape Sello SC.

What is under investigation

The commission is examining how 541kg of confiscated cocainevalued at about R200 millionvanished from a walk-in safe at the Hawks’ Port Shepstone offices in November 2021. The inquiry is focusing on drug storage procedures, crime scene management and accountability within the Hawks.

Allegations involving senior officers

Evidence presented at the commission indicates that Brig. Nyuswa allegedly instructed the transport and storage of the seized drugs at the Port Shepstone facility. That decision is said to have followed consultations with former Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona, who is currently suspended.

Expected testimony and related matters

Wednesday’s hearing is expected to probe the decisions taken before the drugs went missing and the circumstances surrounding the theft. The commission will also soon hear from Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk, who has been subpoenaed to testify next week after evidence linking him to alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Investigators are examining matters connected to a R360-million health risk management contract.

Developments already recorded

• Brig. Campbell Nyuswa is set to appear on Wednesday.
• Proceedings start at 9:30am, led by Advs Lee Segeels-Ncube and Mahlape Sello SC.
• 541kg of cocaine valued at about R200 million disappeared from a walk-in safe in November 2021.
• Major-General Lesetja Senona is currently suspended.
• Medicare24 CEO Mike van Wyk has been subpoenaed to testify next week.
• Gauteng Traffic Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba has been suspended following his appearance before the commission.

What the commission aims to establish

The inquiry seeks to establish how such a substantial quantity of high-value illegal drugs could disappear from a secure law enforcement facility and to determine who is accountable. It will examine the handling and storage decisions made by Hawks personnel and any links to external actors revealed during testimony.

The commission’s further hearings are expected to build on the evidence already presented and to clarify the chain of decisions and actions that preceded the theft.