Hawks drug theft: Lucas Legabe’s bail application postponed to September

Lucas Legabe, 49, has appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate's Court following his arrest in connection with the theft of a drug consignment from the Hawks.

A 49-year-old man arrested in connection with the theft of a drug consignment from the Hawks’ Port Shepstone premises has appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate's Court.

Lucas Legabe was arrested on August 7 following an investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in Pretoria, Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said.

The case relates to the theft of a 541kg cocaine consignment, valued at about R200 million, which was seized in June 2021 after Hawks investigators were called to inspect a container at the CHC container depot in Isipingo that was initially suspected of containing 27kg of drugs.

The cocaine was later transported to the Hawks’ Port Shepstone offices, where it was stored before the consignment was stolen during a burglary in November 2021.

The theft has subsequently come under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where evidence has been heard about the circumstances surrounding the seizure, handling, storage and disappearance of the cocaine.

Legabe was subsequently charged and appeared in Germiston on August 11 before being transferred to KwaZulu-Natal, where he was remanded in custody.

Mogale said the investigation was continuing as police pursued those allegedly involved in the drug theft.

“Investigations are ongoing, with police continuing to pursue all those involved. Further arrests have not been ruled out,” Mogale said.

Legabe is expected to return to court on September 8 and 9 for his formal bail application.