By Johnathan Paoli
The Madlanga Commission will this week continue its inquiry into how seized narcotics were handled and allegedly stolen by law enforcement, before it adjourns to draft its second interim report for President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said hearings scheduled for 11 to 15 May would continue examining drug seizures by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) and other law enforcement agencies, as well as the handling and disappearance of narcotics in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
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The commission heard extensive testimony from Hawks Serious Organised Crime head Maj-Gen Hendrik Flynn and retired unit head Lieutenant-Colonel Jakobus Prinsloo last week relating to the alleged theft of drugs from the Hawks’ offices in Port Shepstone.
Witnesses told the inquiry that 541 kilograms of drugs were allegedly stolen from the premises in November 2021, in a case that has raised questions about the safekeeping of seized narcotics and possible collusion within law enforcement structures.
Last week’s proceedings included closed-door testimony from Witness H on Friday, with the commission finding that certain evidence must be heard in-camera to protect ongoing investigations, confidential sources and potential prosecutions.
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Michaels said this week’s hearings would build on the evidence already presented before the inquiry.
“This is a continuation of the testimony of several witnesses last week, including the in-camera evidence of Witness H on Friday 8 May 2026,” he said.
The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system, with a particular focus on claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi has alleged that criminal syndicates infiltrated elements of law enforcement and the criminal justice system, prompting the establishment of the inquiry chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
A new witness is expected to testify before the commission on Monday morning.
This week will mark the final round of public hearings before the commission temporarily adjourns on 18 May to focus on drafting its second interim report.
According to the commission, the report is due to be submitted to Ramaphosa on 29 May.
