Proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry resumed on Wednesday morning after a fire alarm triggered a temporary evacuation at Brigitte Mabandla College shortly after 7 am.
Officials, staff, and members of the media were evacuated as a precaution when the alarm was discharged inside the building. Emergency and fire response teams swiftly attended the scene and later declared it safe, allowing the commission’s work to continue. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries or damage were reported, and an investigation into the cause of the alarm is underway.
The brief disruption did little to slow the commission’s momentum, as it continues to hear crucial testimony into the alleged mishandling and theft of a high-value cocaine consignment in KwaZulu-Natal.
On Wednesday, senior Hawks officer Hendrik Flynn continued his testimony, detailing serious security lapses at a Port Shepstone facility where drugs valued at approximately R200 million were stored before being stolen.
Flynn told the commission that the theft was largely due to inadequate security measures, including an expired security contract that left the alarm system unlinked and without working backup batteries. This effectively rendered the facility vulnerable at the time the drugs were being kept there.
He explained that walk-in safes used to store narcotics must meet strict security requirements, including reinforced walls, high-quality locking systems, and constant monitoring — standards he said were not met in this case.
The cocaine consignment had been seized during a 2021 operation targeting a transnational drug trafficking network. However, instead of being transferred to a secure forensic laboratory, it was stored at a Hawks office in Port Shepstone — a decision now under intense scrutiny.
Flynn reiterated his view that the sequence of events leading to the theft may not have been accidental.
“I’m of the view it’s no coincidence and that the sequence of events is indeed, by design,” he said, suggesting possible internal interference.
The theft reportedly occurred between 6 and 8 November 2021, when suspects used a grinder to gain access to a strong room. The absence of a functioning alarm system meant the break-in went undetected.
Commission chair, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has previously described the incident as resembling a “comedy of errors,” though the implications point to potential collusion between law enforcement officials and organised crime.
Meanwhile, embattled KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona is no longer expected to appear before the commission this week. The commission has not provided reasons for this decision, but it follows objections from Senona, who argued that he had already answered questions and would be attending a disciplinary hearing on Friday.
His legal team has also raised concerns about alleged procedural flaws in the commission’s processes.
Despite the early morning disruption, the commission continues to press ahead with its inquiry, with Flynn expected to remain on the witness stand as proceedings unfold.
