ON
← Back to feed
Lebeya ‘can’t recall’ being told where 541kg cocaine haul was stored
ZA🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/2/2026

Lebeya ‘can’t recall’ being told where 541kg cocaine haul was stored

Godfrey Lebeya, former head of the Hawks intelligence unit, testified before the Madlanga commission that he could not recall being informed by his predecessor, Lesetja Senona, about the storage location of a 541kg cocaine seizure. The drugs were later stolen from the Hawks' Port Shepstone facility in 2021. Lebeya stated that he became aware of the consignment only after it was already in storage and emphasized that the responsibility for storing seized items belonged to operational units, not himself. He acknowledged the security vulnerabilities at the facility and authorized internal investigations into the theft. Senona had previously claimed he informed Lebeya about the storage location, but Lebeya could not confirm this.

A KwaZulu-Natal Hawks officer, Deenadayalan Govender, has been ordered to testify publicly before the Madlanga Commission on Monday, August 31, following a ruling issued on Sunday. The ruling granted condonation for the late submission of an application to have parts of Govender's testimony heard in camera. However, the request to keep certain aspects of his testimony confidential was partially denied, requiring him to provide evidence on specific matters in an open session starting at 9:30 am. The ruling specified that Govender would not be required to reveal the identities of witnesses connected to the ongoing investigation into the suspected theft of cocaine at the Port Shepstone offices of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. Additionally, he would not need to disclose particular police strategies, methods, or intelligence-gathering techniques used during investigations. Nevertheless, evidence related to a counterintelligence operation involving organized drug gangs in the Durban area, previously heard in camera by Witness P, would still be kept private, either on August 31 or another date set by the commission. Godfrey Lebeya, former head of the Hawks, appeared before the Madlanga Commission and stated he could not recall being informed by former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Lesetja Senona about where a 541kg consignment of seized cocaine was stored. This information came to light after the drugs were stolen from the Port Shepstone facility in 2021. Lebeya claimed that he became aware of the drugs' existence only after they had been placed in storage. Senona had previously testified that he informed Lebeya about the decision to move the drugs to the Port Shepstone facility. Lebeya, however, maintained that he could not confirm having received such information from Senona. He emphasized that the responsibility for storing seized drugs fell upon the operational units, not his role as the national head of the Hawks. Lebeya acknowledged that the Hawks offices faced significant security issues, noting that the drugs were stored in a secure walk-in safe. After learning about the theft, he authorized two separate investigations involving the provincial Hawks commissioner and the head of the serious organized crime component. He denied knowing that Senona possessed the keys to the safe room. Evidence leader Lee Segeels-Ncube questioned why Lebeya assigned Senona to investigate the theft, considering Senona's potential involvement. She also pointed out that Senona had requested polygraph tests for staff members but had not undergone one himself. Lebeya defended his decision, stating that Senona, as the supervisor, was responsible for managing the staff involved in the investigation. Lebeya also addressed previous allegations regarding alleged police interference in a high-profile December 2024 raid at the Sandton home of suspected cartel leader Katiso "KT" Molefe. He denied any involvement in these claims, though prior witnesses had expressed concerns about Hawks officers challenging the validity of a South African Police Service arrest warrant during the operation. Lebeya returned to the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday as questions arose about why no action was taken against Senona despite his status as a person of interest in the 2021 Port Shepstone drug theft. Lebeya admitted that Senona was never subjected to a polygraph test and that no action was taken against him. This admission has intensified scrutiny over the handling of the investigation, particularly concerning why Senona remained uninvestigated despite attracting police attention. The proceedings continue as the commission delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the theft.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

4 reports

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 958/30/2026
Madlanga Commission: KZN Hawks officer Deena Govender ordered to testify publicly

Deenadayalan Govender, a KZN Hawks officer, has been ordered to testify publicly before the Madlanga Commission on Monday, August 31, regarding certain aspects of an investigation. Initially, Govender had requested that parts of his testimony be heard in private, but this request was partially denied. The ruling allows for some information to remain confidential, such as witness identities, police strategies, and intelligence methods. However, testimony related to a counterintelligence operation involving organized drug gangs in Durban will still be heard in private.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal decision made by the Madlanga Commission neutrally, without apparent bias toward any political side. It outlines the conditions under which the testimony will be given, including both public and private elements, without favoring one perspective over another.

Why factuality (90): This article focuses solely on the legal process involving Deena Govender and does not discuss the drug theft or the testimonies of Lebeya and Senona. As such, it contains no conflicting or misleading information related to the main event. It simply reports on a procedural matter within the commissi

Why objectivity (95): The article is highly objective, providing a straightforward account of the court ruling without any subjective interpretation or emotional language. It clearly explains the legal procedures without bias.

Mail & Guardian logoMail & GuardianIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 859/1/2026
Lebeya ‘can’t recall’ being told where 541kg cocaine haul was stored

Godfrey Lebeya, former head of the Hawks intelligence unit, testified before the Madlanga commission that he could not recall being informed by his predecessor, Lesetja Senona, about the storage location of a 541kg cocaine seizure. The drugs were later stolen from the Hawks' Port Shepstone facility in 2021. Lebeya stated that he became aware of the consignment only after it was already in storage and emphasized that the responsibility for storing seized items belonged to operational units, not himself. He acknowledged the security vulnerabilities at the facility and authorized internal investigations into the theft. Senona had previously claimed he informed Lebeya about the storage location, but Lebeya could not confirm this.

Bias read (Center): The article presents testimony from both Lebeya and Senona without overtly favoring either side. It reports their conflicting accounts regarding communication about the storage of seized drugs and does not include biased language or selective sourcing. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the un

Why factuality (88): This article provides a clear summary of Lebeya's testimony and aligns closely with the previous report. It mentions the same details about the cocaine, the storage location, and the security issues. The facts are consistently reported across sources, supporting a high level of factual accuracy.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone throughout, focusing on reporting the statements made by Lebeya and Senona without introducing personal opinions or emotional language. It presents the information objectively based on the commission proceedings.

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 809/1/2026
‘Either Senona is lying or you are’: Lebeya grilled over R200m cocaine | Madlanga Commission

Retired Hawks commander Godfrey Lebeya testified before the Madlanga Commission that he was unaware that former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Lesetja Senona had been given access to a Port Shepstone storage facility where 541kg of seized cocaine was kept. This contradicts Senona's previous statement that he had informed Lebeya about the storage location. The evidence presented highlights significant security flaws at the facility, including malfunctioning cameras, poor alarm systems, and insufficient staffing. The drugs, valued at approximately R200 million, were later stolen, raising concerns about potential insider involvement. Senona was not subjected to a polygraph test after the theft.

Bias read (Center): The article presents conflicting testimonies between two officials without overtly favoring one side. It reports on the investigation into a drug theft involving security lapses and internal accountability issues within law enforcement. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the discrepancies in证词

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the conflicting testimonies between Lebeya and Senona regarding the storage of the cocaine. It references the Madlanga Commission, the value of the drugs, and the security issues at the Port Shepstone facility. The article does not introduce new information beyond what

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, presenting both sides of the conflict without overt bias. However, the article uses phrases like 'either Senona is lying or you are' which slightly leans toward suggesting a contradiction rather than remaining purely objective.

IOL (Independent Online) logoIOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 80Objective 859/2/2026
WATCH | Lebeya faces Madlanga Commission over no action against Senona in Port Shepstone drug theft

Godfrey Lebeya, a retired Hawks head, is returning to the Madlanga Commission to address concerns about the lack of action against Senona in the 2021 Port Shepstone drug theft. Lebeya admitted that Senona, who was identified as a person of interest, was never subjected to a polygraph test and that no further investigative measures were taken against him. This admission has raised questions about the handling of the investigation and the decision-making process within law enforcement. The commission is now examining why Senona remained untouched despite attracting police attention.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the investigation and the commission's review without overtly favoring any particular political stance. It focuses on the procedural aspects of the case and the implications of the lack of action, without taking a clear ideological position. The framing

Why factuality (80): The article discusses Lebeya's denial of knowledge about the Big Five Cartel, referencing other officials' testimonies. While it accurately reports Lebeya's statement, it briefly mentions other individuals without full context, which could lead to potential misinterpretation. The information is cons

Why objectivity (85): The article remains largely objective, presenting Lebeya's testimony alongside others without taking a stance. However, the mention of 'dangerous' individuals by other officials introduces a slight subjective element, though it is framed as part of the official record.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories