PRETORIA - "No, I did not comply fully," said Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Jacob, Unit Commander of the Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit.
Jacob was questioned at the Madlanga Commission on whether he had followed full protocol when removing the drugs that were found in a container at the Durban harbour.
He conceded that full protocol and processes were followed, including not putting the drugs properly in evidence bags. From Durban, the drugs were transported and stored at the Hawks' Port Shepstone storage facility.
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Jacob testified at the Commission, providing evidence on the disappearance of drugs valued at R200million.
Jacob told the Commission he was on leave when the drugs were discovered. He said he received a call from Lieutenant Colonel Duma, informing him of the discovery.
He allegedly instructed a junior officer to tell his superiors that he would present to see to the consignment.
According to protocol, a container at the harbour would be put on notice by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) should drugs be found inside. Notice means that the container needs to be investigated further.
To enter where the drugs would be, the necessary permits would need to be obtained to access the detained container. Customs and the Local Record Criminal Centre would need to be present, as the latter would collect DNA and fingerprints.
After the drugs were removed, they were not properly placed in evidence bags. Once everything was concluded, Jacob returned to his leave.
The national instructions speak to the protocol that needs to be followed when removing drugs.
The drugs were stored at the Hawks' storage facility in 2021.
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The Commission is probing the circumstances surrounding the missing consignment and the handling of evidence.