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Adv Baloyi SC asserts the sequence involved movements of exhibits from Isipingo to Port Shepstone DPCI offices on 2nd, then entered in SAP13 register on 23rd without the Clerk present.
“What happened is from Isipingo these were taken on the 2nd to Port Shepstone, your offices, DPCI Port Shepstone ... And then on the 23rd, they were then entered in the Port Shepstone SAP 13 in the absence of the Clerk.”
There was difficulty with the investigating officer washing their hands of responsibility for exhibits once decided to be stored at Port Shepstone DPCI offices despite many people accessing them.
“But what I have a difficulty with is you washing your hands of responsibility of these exhibits once the decision was made that the safe place to keep them is the Port Shepstone DPCI offices... everyone is coming in and out... dealing with these exhibits.”
The receiving station for the exhibits transfer in this case was stated as Port Shepstone Police Station, yet the exhibits were taken to Port Shepstone DPCI offices, which are two separate places.
“y o u i n f o r m e d t h e C o m m i s s i o n e r s t h a t y o u a r e n o t a w a r e o f t h e o f f i c e s h a v i n g b e e n c l e a r e d o r a p p r o v e d t o r e t a i n a n S A P 1 3 r e g i s t e r . I f t h a t i s w h e r e t h e y w e n t , w h y t h e n d o y o u c o n c l u d e t h a t t h e r e c e i v i n g s t a t i o n i n t h i s i n s t a n c e , i n p a r a g r a p h 8 , s u b 5 , w a s P o r t S h e p s t o n e P o l i c e S t a t i o n ? T h e s e a r e t w o s e p a r a t e p l a c e s .”
There is no known documentary evidence at Port Shepstone DPCI offices reflecting the arrival of exhibits at storage there on record.
“I am not aware of such, Commissioners.”
There were seven break-ins at the Port Shepstone Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) offices from December 2011 to October 2021, excluding the last entry.
“seven break-ins at the Port Shepstone DPCI offices from December 2011 to October 2021”
A security breach at the Port Shepstone DPCI offices on 20 January 2020 was reported and investigated, with a case opened at Port Shepstone SAPS under CAS 268/01/2020.
“On 2020-01-20 , a breach insecurity at the above mentioned offices was reported... A case was opened at Port Shepstone SAPS vide CAS 268/01/2020”
General inspection revealed serious shortcomings in security at the Port Shepstone DPCI offices including the absence of CCTV cameras, warning alarm systems, and beam sensors.
“security measures . No CCTV cameras are installed in and around the premises . There is no early warning alarm system ... No beam sensors located exterior to the office accommodation”
Storing drug exhibits at the Port Shepstone DPCI offices, which only has two strong rooms and lacks adequate security measures, is extremely reckless and irresponsible.
“I am of the view that it is extremely reckless and irresponsible to place exhibits in such a strong room or a vault”