PRETORIA - It is impossible to open a drug-related case without immediately identifying the suspect.
This, according to KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Officer Karl Sander, would often raise red flags.
Sander said once a drug case is opened, investigators are placed under significant pressure to link the matter with a suspect.
And then subsequently proceed with charges even while the evidence is still being gathered.
READ: LIVESTREAM | Madlanga Commission resumes public hearings
Sander testified at the Madlanga Commission on Monday. The Commission continues to hear testimony pertaining to the handling of drugs in the province, their storage and their movement from storage.
The Commission returned on Monday after a two-week break to finalise its second interim report that was handed to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Commission aims to wrap up all hearings by the end of July. It is entering a critical phase as it resumes this week and the deadline is looming.
Commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, said the Commission is intensifying its work before turning its work to its final report.
"We are working systematically to ensure that over the next two months, we run flat out and cover as much of the terms of reference as possible," said Michaels.
Thereafter, the Commission will need time because it took a two-month writing recess in both interim reports.