Madlanga Commission: Lebeya says he was unaware of inquiry into Port Shepstone cocaine theft
Former Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya told the Madlanga Commission he was unaware of investigations into the 2021 theft of 541kg of cocaine from Hawks offices in Port Shepstone, as he was also questioned about the Aeroton seizure
Retired Central Criminal Investigation Branch supervisor General Godfrey Lebeya faced intense questioning from the Madlanga Commission regarding the Aeroton and Port Shepstone drug busts. A multimillion-rand cocaine consignment, intercepted on June 2, 2021, disappeared after being stored at Hawks offices in Port Shepstone. The commission learned that no investigation had been conducted, despite recommendations.
Lebeya admitted he was unaware of any investigation into the theft, stating that departmental inquiries would have reached him if opened. The commission further questioned Lebeya about the Aeroton drug bust, where more than 700kg of cocaine was seized after being concealed as truck parts. Lebeya denied being visited on the day of the operation and claimed the meeting took place four days later.
He testified that only police officers involved in escorting the drugs were arrested, contradicting initial reports. The handling of the seized drugs and the arrests have been called into question, with Lebeya's testimony placing the 2021 cocaine seizures at the center of the investigation. Lebeya is set to return to the commission at a later date.
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