A police officer attached to the National Intervention Unit (NIU) has come under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission after failing to clearly explain his involvement in a high-profile 2021 drug seizure.
Warrant Officer Steve Phakula testified before the commission about the operation in which 715kg of cocaine was discovered.
Phakula told the commission he had been contacted by a colleague and asked to assist with processing the crime scene. He said senior police officers later arrived and arrested him at the location.
Steve Phakula Questioned Over Why He Joined Cocaine Bust Operation
During his testimony, Phakula acknowledged that he had limited experience with drug-related investigations and said this was not part of his usual duties.
Commissioners questioned why he agreed to assist his colleague, Marumo Magane, whose own testimony on Tuesday drew sharp criticism.
Responding to the questions, Phakula said: “Commissioner, I honestly assisted because I was available, and I sought permission, and it was granted. That’s the only reason I could say I attended.”
Madlanga Commission Continues Scrutiny Of 2021 Cocaine Seizure
The commission has been examining the circumstances surrounding the 2021 operation in which authorities recovered more than 700kg of cocaine.
On Tuesday, commissioners described Magane’s involvement in the bust as “deeply suspicious” and said they believed he had ulterior motives.
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Phakula’s testimony forms part of the commission’s broader investigation into the conduct of police officers linked to the seizure.
