State opposes bail in Port Shepstone drugs heist case, says Legabe poses witness risk

By Johnathan Paoli

The State has opposed bail for businessman Lucas Legabe, arguing that his alleged familiarity with witnesses in the Port Shepstone cocaine theft creates a risk that he could interfere with them if released.

Appearing in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, prosecutor Zwelethu Mata said at least two witnesses had implicated Legabe in the theft of 541kg of cocaine from a Hawks storage facility.

Mata said the investigation was still ongoing and further arrests could be made.

He read into the record an affidavit by Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Captain Mothapo Mashau, who said the seriousness of the allegations, together with Legabe’s alleged familiarity with witnesses, meant his release could jeopardise the investigation.

“At least two witnesses in their statements reveal that the Applicant on this matter together with other co-perpetrators had several meetings where there was a discussion regarding a request made by