‘Whistleblower Suspect Broke Silence’ on R200m Port Shepstone Cocaine Theft — Hawks Officer
Jacob said a suspect later came forward with details on the theft, which investigators believe may have involved corrupt officials.
- On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Colonel Gavin Jacob testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, rejecting allegations of involvement in the 2021 theft of 541kg of cocaine from a Hawks facility.
- After police seized the drugs in Isipingo in June 2021, logistical challenges prevented local storage, prompting relocation to the Port Shepstone Hawks office, which lacked surveillance cameras or alarm systems.
- Jacob revealed that an informant approached investigators in early February 2026, claiming involvement in the "planning and execution" of the theft, information he escalated to Major-General Hendrik Flynn on April 22, 2026.
- While Jacob passed his polygraph test, Warrant Officer Karl Sander testified that thieves were connected to Hawks management, prompting questions about polygraph accuracy in this investigation.
- Five years after the theft, no arrests have been made; Jacob stated the incident has "embarrassed" the Hawks and Saps, stressing the matter must not go unpunished.
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South Africa: 'Whistleblower Suspect Broke Silence' On R200m Port Shepstone Cocaine Theft - - Hawks Officer
Colonel Gavin Jacob has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that in February 2026, a suspect approached investigators with details about a R200m cocaine consignment stolen from a Hawks building in KwaZulu-Natal, widely believed to be an inside job. Jacob's own role in the initial seizure of the cocaine is under scrutiny.
‘Whistleblower suspect broke silence’ on R200m Port Shepstone cocaine theft — Hawks officer
Colonel Gavin Jacob has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that in February 2026, a suspect approached investigators with details about a R200m cocaine consignment stolen from a Hawks building in KwaZulu-Natal, widely believed to be an inside job. Jacob’s own role in the initial seizure of the cocaine is under scrutiny.
Durban Hawks Unit Commander Jacob grilled over Port Shepstone
By Johnathan Paoli Durban Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit head Colonel Gavin Jacob has come under fire after admitting that he had assumed that police stations near Durban Harbour, including Maydon Wharf, was incapable of holding the 541kg cocaine consignment that would end up at Port Shepstone. Continuing proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Thursday, Jacob’s evidence came under scrutiny from commission chairper…
Col Gavin Jacob set to continue testifying at Madlanga Commission - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.
Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit member Colonel Gavin Jacob is expected to continue to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Thursday. Jacob began his testimony on Wednesday. He provided details about the drug interception at the Isipingo depot, where 541 kilograms of cocaine were discovered. He was one of the first Hawks officers on the scene, alongside members of crime intelligence. The missing 541 kilogram coca…
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