The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard testimony from an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) senior investigator detailing how an enquiry file linked to a major drug-trafficking investigation allegedly went missing after being handled within the South African Police Service (SAPS) system.
IPID Assistant Director of Investigations, Takalani Zelda Maphosho, told the commission on Tuesday that she became aware of an enquiry file opened by Pretoria-based Directorate for Priority Crimes and Investigations (DPCI/Hawks) Lieutenant-Colonel Lesley Maluleke in July 2021. The file was reportedly linked to a suspected drug-carrying shipping container.
Maphosho testified that when she later requested access to the documentation, she was informed that the file could no longer be located. According to her evidence, Maluleke indicated that the file had been in his office but could not be traced after it was allegedly handled by an unidentified sergeant.
She told the commission that attempts to recover the file were unsuccessful.
“Commissioners, I asked about the enquiry file from (Steve) Phakula and also from Maluleke… when I called for the copies of that particular file, I was told that it was missing. It was handled by a certain sergeant… and he couldn’t locate the file,” she said.
Maphosho further explained that SAPS uses a manual system for recording enquiry files, which she said complicates tracking and increases the risk of documents being misplaced or untraceable. She added that she remains uncertain whether the file was ever properly retained.
Commissioner Sandile Khumalo raised concerns during the proceedings, noting that reliance on manual record-keeping systems could allow sensitive files to be lost or removed without accountability.
The investigation forms part of a broader IPID case initially opened by K-9 unit officer Steve Phakula and Zonkizizwe SAPS Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre (CIMAC) commander Marumo Magane. The complaint related to allegations of defeating the ends of justice involving members of the Hawks and Crime Intelligence.
The inquiry is linked to a 9 July 2021 drug-bust operation in Aeroton, Johannesburg, where authorities allegedly uncovered approximately 715 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a Scania shipping container at a trucking warehouse. The drugs, estimated to be worth around R300 million, were reportedly transferred onto an unmarked vehicle belonging to Magane under the claim that they were being transported to a police station.
Maphosho also informed the commission that in June 2024, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute after IPID referred the matter involving senior Crime Intelligence and Hawks officials. The NPA reportedly classified the matter as an internal dispute more suited to mediation, citing insufficient evidence of intent to defeat the ends of justice.
Her testimony was challenged by evidence leader Advocate Tebogo Mosikili, who questioned whether the IPID referral adequately considered the versions of the accused officials and whether there were sufficient grounds for prosecution. Maphosho maintained that her findings were compiled in line with IPID standard operating procedures, stating that she avoided including subjective analysis due to prior internal disputes over report interpretation.
The commission also heard corroborating testimony from Witness I, who described earlier intelligence activity linked to suspected drug trafficking in Pretoria North and recounted being informed of a tip-off regarding cocaine consignments.
Further evidence suggested internal disagreements during the operation, including claims that senior officials issued instructions to detain members involved in the seizure of the drugs.
The commission also heard that an unmarked vehicle used during the operation was later held at Booysens Police Station before being collected by its owner following release from custody.