Officer Sape

Officer Sape from the Dog Unit stated that a yellow truck was transporting drugs from Durban Harbour and pointed out a truck driver under arrest; he was requested by Warrant Officer Phakula to search the truck and was distracted by an African male called Rikhotso who denied entry or exit from the scene.

“Warrant Officer Phakula asked me to search the truck... was distracted by an African male who was called Rikhotso ... they denied us entry or exiting the scene... accused us of coming to escort the drugs all the way from Pretoria.”

Officer Sape's statement and Warrant Officer Phakula's recounting of the events are contradictory according to Lt-Col Sebola, who says there was no K9 bakkie at the scene upon his arrival.

“I understand K9 members drive a marked vehicle with a dog. Then upon my arrival there was no K9 bakkie around the scene... The names Sape and Phakula were brought to me... I am saying this is strange because I asked questions to say, were you really at the scene? They were giving a contradicting version...”

According to Officer Sape's statement, the dog was in a motor vehicle in the sun and was dehydrating, and they were informed by General Khan that the dog was allowed to leave the scene.

“Because the dog was in the motor vehicle in the sun and they informed General Khan that the dog was dehydrating and it was at that point that they were allowed to leave.”