By: Pamella Majola
Lieutenant-Colonel Kwazikwakhe Sibiya of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime unit in Durban has denied allegations that he was involved in a scheme that led to the disappearance of 541 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated R200 million.
The cocaine was seized during an operation in June 2021 but later vanished from a Hawks storage facility in Port Shepstone, raising questions about the handling and safekeeping of the drugs.
Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Sibiya rejected claims that he played any role in the alleged theft of the cocaine.
Responding to evidence leader Sandile Khumalo, Sibiya maintained that he acted in accordance with instructions from senior officers throughout the process and denied any wrongdoing.
He told the commission that he followed established procedures and had no involvement in the disappearance of the drugs. The inquiry is examining allegations of criminal conduct and possible collusion relating to the missing cocaine, as well as the actions of officials involved in the case.
The commission continues to hear evidence as it seeks to establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the seized narcotics and determine whether any officials were involved in the alleged scheme.
