Madlanga Commission | Public rallies behind Warrant Officer Sander after emotional testimony

South Africa has demonstrated the spirit of Ubuntu by donating funds for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Hawks Warrant Officer, Karl Sander, following his emotional testimony at the Madlanga Commission this week.

Sander detailed his deteriorating relationship with suspended KZN Hawks boss, Major-General Lesetja Senona, saying he was falsely implicated for the alleged theft of cocaine exhibits with a street value of about R200 million while they were stored at the Port Shepstone Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI) offices’ walk-in safe in November 2021.

Sander said he, along with several officials, was subjected to a polygraph test which he initially failed after the results were declared null and void.

He added that even after his coffee machine went mysteriously missing, he was accused of its theft.

He denied any involvement in the cocaine theft, adding that he was not part of the seizure of the consignment and that he was on official leave when the drugs were seized and when they were later stolen.

The Madlanga Commission saw Sander weep on national television, after he informed that the polygraphs test results actually exonerated him from the crime.

Sander, who tugged on the heartstrings of many South Africans during his testimony, is now set to receive over R300 000 in donations following his emotional appearance.

Meanwhile, Durban Organised Crime Investigations Unit (SOCI) Commander, Gavin Jacobs, came under intense scrutiny at the commission on Wednesday over his decision to move the cocaine from the CHC Depot in Durban Harbour to Isipingo Police Station before a full inspection was conducted during the seizure on 22 June 2021 from a shipping container.

While presenting his evidence, Jacobs told the commission that due to what he described as limited and unsecured space at the depot, he arranged for the 541 kilograms of cocaine to be transported using Border Police vehicles to the police station, located about four kilometres away, for further inspection.

He added that the scene was less than 10 km away from Umlazi, an area generally regarded as high risk by law enforcement.

Jacobs also said he acted to avoid prejudicing the depot’s operations, arguing that it was not directly implicated in the drug trafficking case.

Jacobs further told the commission that, because he was working alongside Border Police officials he was meeting for the first time, the integrity of the operation should not be questioned.

The commission also heard that Jacobs was officially on leave at the time of the operation, but proceeded as the investigating officer after receiving intelligence from Border Security Crime Intelligence Captain Lieutenant-Colonel, Justice Duma, the previous day.

Jacobs claims he did not want to miss the opportunity to lead a drug bust, saying it was his first big bust.

He told the commission that it is acceptable for off-duty officers to participate in urgent operations, although he conceded that this was not a life-threatening situation, adding that he only needed permission from his immediate commander, Colonel Dhlomo.

However, the commission heard that instead of alerting Dhlomo directly, Jacobs instructed Warrant Officer, Livingstone Mpangase, to pass the message on to Brigadier, Campbell Nyuswa.

When questioned on his decision, Jacobs suggested the operation was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Commissioner, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, challenged Jacobs’ explanation, questioning why his direct commander was not formally informed if he was not part of the operation.

“I will not accept that at face value. You were on leave and all that you had to do was to report that I am coming back. That’s pure admin,” said Madlanga.

Jacobs denied having any role in the decision to store cocaine exhibits at the Port Shepstone DPCI offices in June and insisted that he was unaware the Hawks offices were unsuitable for storing the drugs.

He said that upon arrival at the Isipingo Police Station with the consignment, he called Brigadier Campbell Nyuswa and Warrant Officer Dan Perumal, to the parking area to inform them of the seizure.

According to Jacobs, the exhibits were counted in their presence and recorded in the SAP13 register for safekeeping and record-keeping purposes.

Jacobs further told the commission that there was never any suspicion surrounding the consignment until it was stolen.

In an apparent effort to challenge the integrity of the investigation into the theft, Jacobs accused Serious Organised Crime Investigation head, Hendrick Flynn, of failing to interview a whistleblower linked to the matter.

He also expressed surprise that Flynn had testified that all officials involved in the original seizure were regarded as suspects.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao