Hawks Investigator Karl Sander Accuses Intimidation Following KZN Drug Syndicate Expose BODY: Pretoria, South Africa – KwaZulu-Natal Hawks narcotics investigator Karl Sander has alleged intimidation following his exposure of a drug syndicate in the province. Sander made these claims during testimony at the Madlanga Commission on Monday, aiming to clear his name amidst ongoing investigations.
The Madlanga Commission, which resumed on Monday after a two — week recess, is examining the theft of 541kg of cocaine worth R200m from Hawks offices in Port Shepstone in November 2021.
The inquiry is focusing on the alleged criminal infiltration in law enforcement, including potential links between drug cartels and police officers. Sander, a long-standing member of the KZN narcotics unit, was transferred by provincial head Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona in February 2024. Sander believes this move was a retaliatory response to his uncovering of significant drug operations in the province.
He claimed that opening a drug — related case without immediately identifying a suspect often triggers pressure from law enforcement superiors to quickly link the matter to a suspect and proceed with charges, despite evidence still being gathered.
The Madlanga Commission has also heard that polygraph reports following the cocaine theft showed contradictory findings, which have been a focus of the inquiry. Major-General Lesetja Senona suggested that Sander’s transfer was due to instructions from the KZN Police Commissioner, who is also under investigation, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation. Sander’s claims could have significant implications for the trust in the Hawks and the broader South African police service, emphasizing the need for transparent and accountable institutions.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: bombeleni_temp
