At the centre of the allegations is the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where disturbing claims have emerged about possible collusion between a Transnet employee and corrupt officials linked to international drug trafficking routes.

The testimony was delivered by Joseph Sebola, a member of the Hawks, who detailed evidence connected to the 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust in Johannesburg. That operation led to the seizure of more than 700 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a container declared as carrying Scania truck parts.

According to Sebola, investigators uncovered text message communications between individuals allegedly linked to the trafficking network. These messages, presented as screenshots to the commission, reportedly referenced operations connected to Durban Harbour, one of the country’s key maritime gateways for international trade.

The communications, Sebola told the commission, appeared to suggest internal influence over harbour processes. Particular attention was drawn to references to “Pier One” and “Pier Two,” which evidence leaders argued were consistent with operational zones within port facilities.

Advocate Thabang Pooe pressed Sebola on whether the messages indicated possible manipulation of berthing procedures to grant container access outside normal protocols. Sebola confirmed that the wording of the communications pointed towards potential internal assistance in facilitating access to cargo once it arrived at the port.

The implication at the heart of the testimony is deeply troubling: that organised criminal networks may have exploited insider access within critical infrastructure to move large quantities of narcotics into South Africa before distribution inland.

While no final findings have been made, the testimony adds to growing concerns about the vulnerability of port systems to corruption and infiltration, particularly at strategic logistical hubs like Durban Harbour.

The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence as it attempts to map the extent of alleged collusion between criminal syndicates and state-linked infrastructure, a probe that is increasingly exposing the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking networks operating across South Africa’s borders.

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