Colonel Steyn

Paul O'Sullivan received a tip-off from the Organised Crime Office in Germiston about Colonel Steyn arranging to drop his telephone number into 205 applications being drawn up by the Organised Crime Unit.

“Colonel Steyn was arranging to have my telephone number dropped into 205 applications that were being drawn up as part of the normal work in progress that the Organised Crime Unit in Germiston was doing.”

Colonel Steyn received a substantial loan from Radovan Krejčer and committed a serious offence under Act 12 of 2004, warranting urgent investigation and suspension from duties.

“having now admitted to receiving a very substantial loan, he has committed a very serious offence in terms of Act 12 of 004 and I request a very urgent investigation with a suspension from duties in the meantime”

Colonel Steyn supplied Radovan Krejčer with the speaker's cellular phone records in 2011, putting the speaker's life at risk.

“I can now prove that Steyn supplied Krejčer with my cellular phone records thereby further putting my life at risk. Back in 2011 ... I have written to the Hawks requesting that Steyn be suspended and stand trial along with Krejčer for their disgusting conduct”

Colonel Steyn was not suspended or dismissed around 2013 as expected but was seen sitting at the Commission and talking about drug trafficking, allegedly being on the payroll of a drug trafficker via money received from Radovan Krejčer in 2011.

“I nearly fell off my Chair because I thought he had been suspended and dismissed back in 013. And now I suddenly saw him sitting at this Commission ... and now he is talking about drug trafficking. He was working, he was on the payroll of a drug trafficker, in my opinion, back in 2011 because he received this money from Radovan Krejčer. So now suddenly a complete turnaround”

Colonel Steyn admitted to receiving a loan of R408,000 from a company linked to Radovan Krejčer but claimed ignorance of the company's connection to Krejčer, explaining the loan was arranged by Cyril Beeka through the company.

“Colonel Steyn admitted to receiving the loan in question, but claimed not to have been aware that the company providing it was linked to Mr Krejčer ... Colonel Steyn says Mr Beeka had undertaken to arrange a loan for him through this company”

Colonel Steyn's explanation for the loan is feeble and could not reasonably be true according to the speaker, referencing a Mail and Guardian article and a company controlled by Radovan Krejčer.

“His story was not only feeble, but it could also not be reasonably true ... you have referenced this company, Groep Twee Beleggings, which is a company you say the articles say it is controlled by Mr Krejčer ... Colonel Steyn said Mr Beeka had undertaken to arrange a loan for him through this company ... you then conclude based on the explanation he gave, that this explanation is not only feeble, but it could also not be reasonably possibly true”

Colonel Steyn was suspended in November 2013 related to this matter, indicating administrative action was taken.

“Colonel Steyn was suspended as a result of this, and this was now in November 2013”

Colonel Steyn ultimately left the police force and the matter was not pursued further by M R O 'S U L L I V A N due to limited resources and bigger issues demanding attention.

“he had actually left the police ... I therefore decided not to take the matter any further ... I am a one-man band ... I had much bigger fish to fry”

Colonel Steyn avoided being charged criminally or disciplined by SAPS for the misconduct relating to receiving a loan, which is considered misconduct.

“Colonel Steyn inexplicably managed to avoid being charged criminally or even disciplined by SAPS in relation to this misconduct”

Colonel Steyn was still working in the police in West Rand after being thought dismissed, which shocked M R O ' SULLIVAN and caused loss of interest in pursuing further action.

“He is not dismissed ... He is still working in the police ... He has just moved to the West Rand from the East Rand ... I was shocked ... I just kind of lost interest in the matter”

Mr. O'Sullivan sent an email to Radovan Krejcir's lawyers demanding R50,000,000 and stating he can now prove Colonel Steyn supplied Krejcir with his cellular phone records, putting Mr. O'Sullivan's life at risk, implying corrupt dealings between Krejcir and Steyn.

“I am demanding R 50000000 rand ... I can now prove that Steyn supplied Krejcir with my cellular phone records, thereby further putting my life at risk ... I talk about Radovan Krejcir having corrupted Steyn”

Mr. O'Sullivan admitted he never provided General Sibiya or General Dramat with evidence to prove Colonel Steyn supplied Krejcir with his cellular phone records; he was bluffing Radovan Krejcir's lawyers to make them believe he had evidence.

“No, Commissioner, I did not ... I am bluffing Radovan Krejcir's lawyers ... I want them to think I have got the evidence, but the reality is I did not have the evidence.”

The speaker and others were arrested by a DPCI Hawks team led by Brigadier Sekgobela and other senior officers, detained harshly in Booysen until July 12, 2021, and denied visits and necessities per instructions from General Kadwa.

“At around half past 1, 13:30, we were arrested by DPCI Hawks team that came last at the crime scene. These were Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, Colonel Maluleka, Captain Sebola, Captain Nortje. They arrested us and took charge of the scene... After the arrest, we were taken to Booysen Police Station for detention and was detained at around 19:30 until Monday the 12th July 2021... We were treated very bad during detention in the cells and we were told as per General Kadwa's instructions that we are not allowed to be visited, where the toilet was not even working and nothing was allowed from our families outside, food, toiletries and water.”

Cases Booysen CAS 252/10/2021 and Booysen CAS 52/10/2021 arose from the arrest and detention by General Khan, General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Captain Sebola, Captain Nortje, Colonel Steyn, and the Gauteng DPCI team.

“Booysen CAS 252/10/2021 ... Booysen CAS 52/10/2021 case emanates from our arrest and detention by General Khan, Crime Intelligence, General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Captain Sebola, Captain Nortje, Colonel Steyn, and the Gauteng DPCI team”

On 2023-06-05, letters requesting warning statements from alleged suspects General Kadwa, General Khan, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola were drafted, containing allegations and questions that the suspects must answer, with a deadline of 2023-06-22.

“On 2023-06-05, the letter requesting warning statement from alleged suspect mentioned by the complainant were drafted . The request for warning statement was for General Kadwa , General Khan , Brigadier Sekgobela , Colonel Steyn , and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola . The letter had the allegations and questions that they must answer . They were requested to submit their warning statement on or before 2023-6-22”

On 2023-06-07 and 2023-06-08 various letters requesting warning statements were hand-delivered to the Crime Intelligence Office in Pretoria for General Khan and to Germiston DPCI office for General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola.

“On 2023-06-07 , the request letter was hand-delivered to Crime Intelligence Office in Pretoria for General Khan . On 2023-06-08 , the other request letter was hand-delivered at Germiston DPCI office for General Kadwa . On the same day , the other letter delivered at Germiston DPCI for Brigadier Sekgobela , Colonel Steyn , and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola”

Warning statements from General Khan, General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola were obtained from IPID offices between 2023-11-15 and 2024-02-06.

“On 2023-11-15 , warning statement of General Khan was obtained at Crime Intelligence office . On 2023-11-27 , warning statement of General Kadwa , Brigadier Sekgobela and Colonel Steyn were obtained at IPID offices . On 2024-02-06 , warning statement of Lieutenant Colonel Sebola was obtained at IPID offices”

Major General Khan, Major General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola are suspects recommended to be prosecuted in relation to the Booysen CAS 252/10/2021.

“You confirm that the suspect that you maintained should be prosecuted here, are those suspects appearing on the subject of suspects, which is Major General Khan, Major General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola.”

The investigation regarding the prosecution decision on Major General Khan, Major General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola is complete with all necessary statements and reports attached for consideration.

“The investigation is complete and all necessary statements / technical or expert reports are attached in the docket for your attention in accordance with Regulation 5 (1) of the IPID Regulations ...”

The report is silent about 'her' (unspecified) and about Steyn, despite recommending prosecution against them, which raises concern about investigative thoroughness and fairness.

“Your report is completely silent about her...the same with Steyn...I want to go back to Sekgobela...Your report is completely silent about him and you recommend prosecution against them.”

A negative recommendation was sent to SAPS to initiate disciplinary proceedings against members involved, including Major General Khan, General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Colonel Sebola.

“a negative recommendation was sent to SAPS to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the members involved. Then I mentioned the members, Major General Khan attached to Crime Intelligence, General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Colonel Sebola”

Members of the DPCI arrived and arrested police officers involved in the drug bust, charging them with dealing and possession/use of drugs.

“Members of DPCI , amongst others , General Kadwa , Brigadier Sekgobela , Colonel Steyn , Captain Sebula , arrived at the crime scene , and they arrested the police officer who made the drug bust . That is Warrant Officer Magane , Warrant Officer Phakula , Chief Mashaba , and Tumelo . They were charged with dealing in drugs and possession of drugs / use of drugs .”

The three complainants raised allegations against General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, Captain Sebula, and General Khan, accusing them of defeating the ends of justice.

“the three complainants, they raised these allegations against General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, Captain Sebula by then, and General Khan, and they opened a case of defeating the ends of justice”

Colonel Steyn's role is unclear and none of the statements implicate him.

“None of the statements implicate him in any form or manner”

Colonel Steyn coordinated members of the drug section and was present at the scene to assist.

“Colonel Steyn is coordinating members of the drug section . ... His presence at the scene was of assistance”

Lt-Col Sebola introduced Colonel Steyn to the scene to call relevant stakeholders such as the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) during the investigation.

“But I said , Colonel , can you , at least for now , assist in calling these relevant stakeholders ? ... LCRC should be the first to be called”

Colonel Steyn called the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) as part of standard procedure, which was supposed to be done urgently at the scene.

“Then Colonel Steyn called LCRC , which is a standard procedure , which is one of the requirements , which is the first thing that one has to do at the scene”

Colonel Sebola indicated to Colonel Steyn that he needed officers to offload bags which were looted in a Nissan bakkie, and that four male persons were interviewed leading to their arrest.

“Colonel Steyn indicated that Captain Nortje and Warrant Officer Morris will assist me in handling those bags looted in the Nissan bakkie. And whilst we were waiting for LCRC to come, I continued interviewing four male persons. That was pointed to me by Warrant Officer-that was pointed to me. That is Warrant Officer Magane, Phakula, Mashaba, and Tumelo Nku. The outcome of the interview led to the arrest of Warrant Officer ... of the four ...”

There were no cameras and no guard directly in front of where exhibits were kept at Pretoria College, but guards were around the college.

“there were no cameras and that there was no guard directly in front of where it was kept ... There are of course guards around the college”

Lt-Col Sobola did not know that Sephungu's statement was attached in his docket and it was brought to him by Colonel Steyn.

“I was not even part of the one of Sephungu. I did not know that such statement is attached in my docket...It came with Colonel Steyn”

There is an uncomfortable feeling that Sobola knew about the statement placing Khan at the scene but did not mention it in his testimony, despite being told by IPID that Khan was there.

“It leaves an uncomfortable feeling that when you came here, you knew that there is this statement because it was given to you by Steyn, and you were told by IPID that Khan was there...people say he was there and you do not mention that part”

Colonel Steyn instructed Colonel Sebola to take a statement from Colonel Sephungu at the crime scene.

“Colonel Steyn, Commissioner, that that he instructed Colonel Sebola to take a statement of Colonel Sephungu at the crime scene.”

Colonel Steyn is particularly interested in narcotics investigations because criminals use innovative methods to transport and hide drugs, and drugs are the root cause of most crimes in society.

“the criminals come up with very innovative ideas in terms of transporting their drugs, hiding their drugs... drugs, in essence, is the root cause in our society at large of how most crimes are being committed”

The narcotics problem in the country is large and persists regardless of significant drug seizures, exemplified by the Booysen case where over 700 kilograms were taken off the street but the street price did not decrease significantly.

“we took over 700 kilograms off the street and still that did not influence the street price that much... that just goes to show how big the problem is and on what amounts these drugs come into our country”

Drugs cause other forms of crime such as theft and robbery, including within families where drug users steal from relatives to feed their habit.

“Other forms of crime, Commissioner, people would steal and would rob... sometimes also deal with the Social Crime Prevention individuals at station level where families are being torn apart because family members that are drug users would steal from their own family to feed their habit”

One major challenge in narcotics investigations is the delay in obtaining forensic analysis reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), sometimes taking months.

“One such challenge is the delay that the investigators are experiencing to obtain the analysis reports from FSL, the Forensic Science Laboratory... might take months for the investigators to actually receive an analysis report or 21 statement”

Another challenge is the transportation and safeguarding of narcotics exhibits, including the need for extra security and safety measures while transporting large consignments.

“The further challenge relates to the transportation and safeguarding of narcotics exhibits... you have to make extra security and safety plans that you have to have in place to actually secure those exhibits when it is transported from point A to point B”

There is a lack of experienced and dedicated prosecutors capable of handling sophisticated narcotics prosecutions.

“The second or the following challenge is the lack of experience and dedicated prosecutors capable of dealing with sophisticated narcotic prosecutions”

There are specialised prosecutors within the NPA environment dealing with specific crimes such as fraud, and there are even special fraud courts.

“you have specialised prosecutors dealing with, for example, fraud, and there is even special fraud courts”

It would be ideal if prosecutors handling narcotics cases had the same specialised training as law enforcement so they are more aware of the challenges faced.

“it would be ideal if one can have prosecutors that actually got through some of these narcotic training with us so that they are very much aware of the challenges we sit with”

Cannabis cases are challenging to place on the court roll even though cannabis is considered a gateway drug.

“it is for the most part a challenge to actually get some of these cases placed on the court roll. And when we have specialised prosecutors, it would make our job much easier. ... Cannabis is where drug use starts at, Cannabis”

Colonel Steyn agrees that investigation is essential for successful prosecution.

“Absolutely. And that is why I also...”

South Africa has approximately 72 border posts creating substantial policing challenges relating to drug trafficking.

“South Africa has approximately 72 border posts, which creates a substantial policing challenge in relation to drug trafficking.”

South Africa has a very extensive coastline that facilitates transfer of drugs from larger vessels to smaller vessels that can go ashore at very small harbours or beaches making drug trafficking easier.

“We also have a very extensive coastline in the Republic that further facilitates the transfer of drugs, for example, consignments of drugs from larger vessels to smaller vessels. And these smaller vessels can then go ashore at very small harbours or even on the beach, for that matter, if that craft is small enough.”

Large drug consignments may be transferred using floating devices that are thrown overboard by corrupt seamen from larger vessels to be retrieved by smaller vessels.

“So what they do is they manufacture or come up with a floating device. And this floating device is then packed with these bricks ... This floating device is literally just by corrupt seamen on that vessel just thrown overboard. And they sometimes even go as far as have a transponder on this floating device that the smaller vessel's crew can pick up on and then trace this floating device and then uplift it from the sea itself.”

Narcotics exhibits must be retained until finalisation of the criminal proceedings, a process that can take years, causing challenges regarding availability of storage.

“At present, narcotics exhibits must generally be retained until finalisation of the criminal proceedings, and that process can take years.”

Narcotics powder and tablet forms are stored at the Forensic Science Laboratory, but cannabis plants are not stored there.

“All of them are stored, but not plants. And if I mean plants, the Cat plant and Cannabis plants are not stored at forensics. But the powder and tablet form narcotics are indeed being stored at forensics, Commissioners.”

Narcotics exhibits can only be destroyed after the court case is finalized, as the defence has the right to examine and test exhibits during the trial.

“One can only destruct and destroy these narcotics after the court case. Reason being, throughout the court case, the Defence can ask to actually see these exhibits. ... If those exhibits are asked for by the defence and we are not able to produce them, that might definitely harm our case in court, Commissioner.”

It is not certain if the retention instruction is law or protocol, but it is followed as an instruction to protect the case in court.

“I am not sure if it is law. I speak under correction, Commissioner. But it is an instruction because at the end of the day, if those exhibits are asked for by the defence and we are not able to produce them, that might definitely harm our case in court, Commissioner.”

In several foreign jurisdictions including EU countries, USA, South America, and Australasia, legislation permits retention of representative sample for evidence and analysis while the rest of the narcotics consignment is destroyed to ease storage burden.

“In several foreign jurisdictions, to interalia include most EU countries, the USA, South America, Australasia, there is legislation that permits the retention of representative samples for evidence purposes and also for the analysis of these exhibits. And then the rest of the consignment is then destroyed. So a smaller number of the exhibits is then kept, which would make the storage there of much easier.”

Colonel Steyn's unit, with assistance from Crime Intelligence, recently gathered information leading to the discovery of a large, clandestine cannabis farm located in a remote area.

“my unit , with the assistance of Crime Intelligence , have picked up information of quite a large Cannabis farm .”

If a crime happens in the presence of a normal member of the public, they can act but still need to involve the police; traffic officers are allowed to operate in designated areas and should normally call the right people to the scene.

“If a crime happens in their presence, they can act on it, but they still need to involve the police. If my memory serves me well, a traffic officer also is just allowed to operate in the area that he is designated for.”

Traffic Chiefs or Chiefs of Traffic generally do not have specific training to handle drug enforcement situations such as drug seizures or busts.

“Generally speaking, I am of the opinion that I do not think so (training), but again, it is my opinion, I cannot elaborate on the specific training that this Chief has undergone.”

Basic in-service training on drug enforcement has been provided to traffic officers and traffic wardens by request from the MEC of Safety and Security Gauteng, but specialist training in drug enforcement takes years to build up and is not usual.

“I have been requested to give sort of in-service training. The first time it was three days, the second time it was two days, to give in-service training to the traffic officers and even to the traffic wardens. I know this is also a point of contention in Gauteng, but to give training to them, a very basic training, because that type of training takes years because you have to build up specific experience... but to give them sort of just a sense on what to do.”

Officers who encounter suspected drug seizures at crime scenes must safeguard the crime scene and call the correct specialised personnel with proper training to handle narcotics.

“You need to contact the correct people, here is the people that you need to talk to, and here is how we deal with it. Rather safeguard the crime scene and get the people with the proper training in.”

There are no formal protocols guiding police officers on how to proceed when they encounter drugs or drug information on the spot; officers will call someone within their station or jurisdiction but it is not formalized.

“There is no protocol which guides a member on the spot who either comes upon information or comes upon drugs, who they should call next, how they should process that... There is nothing like that.”

Senior persons like Mr. Mashaba should know that they cannot call anyone from crime stats analysis to assist at a major drug crime scene; crime scene management protocols must be followed and the right trained people should be called.

“A senior person like Mr Mashaba... ought to have known that at the end of the day, you cannot call someone that does crime stats analysis at a police station to come and assist him with major drug information. So, there is nothing in writing... but if you know you are going to sit with a major crime scene, you have to follow crime scene management protocols and then if I have that type of information, I would love to have someone with me that can actually deal with the correct protocols in terms of crime scene management.”

The bags that allegedly fell from the container were black rubber-type bags made of very sticky material, which is not normal baggage; their handles are made from the same sticky material.

“These are not actual bags. It is sort of black rubbish bags as we know them, combined with a very broad type sticky type that these bags are manufactured with. It is not normal bags. Even the handles of these bags are made with that sticky type of the black bags.”

The contents of the black bags are typically what was later established to be a brick of cocaine.

“What you are looking at there is the content of those black bags. That would typically be what was later established to be a brick of Cocaine.”

Bags containing bricks wrapped in black canvas at sea were protected by black tape on the right-hand corner from Colonel Steyn's side.

“the black tape that was used to covert those bags”

Lieutenant Colonel Sebola was the Investigating Officer and one of the people intending to arrest at the crime scene where Colonel Steyn arrived.

“Lieutenant Colonel Sebola was the Investigating Officer and at that stage crime scene manager as one of the people that he was intending to arrest”

Sergeant Ndou was in charge at the scene when Colonel Steyn arrived and handed over the scene to him, after which Colonel Steyn interviewed all suspects and obtained their explanations.

“He was introduced to Sergeant Ndou, who was in charge, and handed the scene over to him. The scene was explained, as well as those implicated. He was informed by Sergeant Ndou that the members wanted to leave the scene, and he parked his vehicle in front of the Nissan. He interviewed all the suspects and obtained their explanations.”

The radio communication included a report about a truck hijacking at Aeroton involving drugs found inside the truck, which was escorted by police, and only one suspect was involved; the driver was to be arrested but was later not arrested.

“'Bravo Sierra 12 said yes. Bravo Sierra 2 at that complaint Aeroton truck hijacking. The truck was not hijacked. The truck was being escorted by police. They suspected that there was something wrong under the truck and that the truck was opened and found drugs inside the truck. The driver will be arrested. There is only one suspect.' The driver of the truck was not arrested as we came to learn, is that not so? That is correct, Commissioner.”

Normally, the driver of the truck with drugs would not be arrested under such circumstances but would first be questioned to determine involvement in transporting drugs.

“Would the driver of the truck be arrested normally under these circumstances? No necessarily. One would first have a look at what role he played, if any, in terms of the transportation of these drugs. But I think that report, if I read through the report, seemingly Bravo Sierra 12 had the interview with these people that were following the truck from Roodekop to Aeroton... They mean the deduction I am making, it would be Traffic Officer Mashaba.”

The driver of the truck was questioned, and there should be a statement from him in the docket.

“Was the driver questioned? To my knowledge, yes, he was. There should be a statement from him in the docket as well.”

A call was received at the 10111 centre about a report of a truck hijacking at a specific address, and the centre would call a vehicle close to the scene to respond and investigate.

“a call came through and in the 10111 centre they know where the vehicles are ... the 10111 centre would naturally call a vehicle close to the scene and say, please go and have a look, please respond, we have a report of a truck hijacking at this specific address.”

Bravo Sierra 2 had a conversation with Mr Mashaba and others and was told they were following the truck which was not a hijacking; eventually it was said at 11:23 that the police had escorted the truck themselves (Mr Mashaba and colleagues). Drugs were found in the truck, and the suspect was likely the truck driver.

“Then Bravo Sierra 2 responded and seemingly they then had a conversation with Mr Mashaba and company and they received the explanation of why are they following the truck and it is not a truck hijacking ... at 11:23 it was said that they have indeed escorted the truck and the police, by the police, in my opinion, refers there to themselves, Mr Mashaba and the people ... they found that there were drugs inside the truck and they were of the view that the suspect in this case would be the truck driver himself.”

There was a roadblock near or at the scene conducted by Scania Security, also called a highway patrol vehicle.

“Scania Security also called a highway patrol vehicle which was conducting a roadblock nearby or near the scene ...”

More and more law enforcement officers came to the scene, including K9 unit members.

“More and more law enforcement officers came to the scene, including K9 unit members.”

Colonel Steyn was not present at the stage when General Khan allegedly prevented the K9 inspection, and thus cannot comment directly on that allegation. He only arrived after General Khan had left the crime scene.

“I was not there at that stage. I did not specifically hear that. But, and again, at the time I arrived at the crime scene, General Khan was no longer on the crime scene.”

General Kadwa instructed Colonel Steyn and members to attend the scene of a major drug crime.

“General Kadwa as set out in my main affidavit ... He phoned me ... around 11 o'clock to indicate that there was a major drug crime scene that he wanted me and my team to attend to.”

At the crime scene, there were many people, police and civilians, in and around the scene, which contaminated the crime scene.

“The scene was contaminated. There were way too many people at the crime scene, police and civilian, in and around the scene.”

Only a very small portion of the crime scene was cordoned off, specifically the area of the black bakkie with the container at the back. It is advisable to make a substantial cordon in such cases.

“A very small portion of the scene was cordoned off ... The only piece that was cordoned off was the black bakkie standing next to the truck with the container on the back ... it is advisable to make quite a substantial cordon in around a scene like that.”

The inner cordon at the crime scene was complied with but the outer cordon was definitely not complied with on arrival.

“the inner cordon was complied with, but the outer cordon definitely not”

The outer cordon area is larger and would include people with tasks such as taking statements being allowed in, whereas the inner cordon is restricted to specific task personnel.

“the outer cordon would be a little bit of a wider area ... certain people with specific taskings would be allowed in the inner cordon, whereas other people ... would be in the outer cordon”

On 2021-07-09 at 11:45, Warrant Officer Wood attended an alleged crime scene on request of Officer Rikhotso, but had not arrived by the time COLONEL STEYN and the investigating officer arrived at around 1:00.

“On 2021-07-09 at 11:45, due to a request of Warrant Officer Rikhotso, I attended an alleged crime scene ... I did not see her there”

The paragraph asserting Warrant Officer Wood's presence at 11:45 was incorrect; she likely received the call at that time but arrived later around 1 o'clock.

“this paragraph 4 at 11:45, it is not correct ... I think that would be more correct”

The sketch plan of the crime scene shows container A as the one with the drugs, vehicle B is a black bakkie, vehicle E was a red Kia, the vehicle of officer Phakula, and vehicle C was parked next to vehicle D, a silver BMW belonging to Mr. Mashaba's informer Nku.

“That would be A ... B would be the black bakkie ... E would be one of the vehicles ... I think that was Phakula's vehicle ... It was a red Kia ... C is Mr Mashaba's informer ... D is a silver BMW”

The inner cordon at the crime scene would typically be from the container in front of vehicle E, around vehicle A, extending where Warehouse 7 starts.

“The inner cordon would typically be from the container in front of Vehicle E, around Vehicle A, and there on the sketch where Warehouse 7 starts”

The outer cordon would be from outside the top line of Warehouse 7 to at least the bottom line of Warehouse 4, and would include vehicles C and D.

“The outer cordon would be from the outside ... from the outside of Warehouse 7 ... to at least the bottom line of Warehouse 4 ... and then I would also have cordoned off Vehicle C and D”

On arrival at about 1 o'clock, the outer cordon was not cordoned off.

“The outer cordon was not cordoned off on my arrival.”

Captain Sebola was the crime scene manager and in charge of the scene at the time COLONEL STEYN arrived at about 1 o'clock.

“I was informed that Captain Sebola was the crime scene manager, and so he was in charge at that time”

It is disturbing that when COLONEL STEYN arrived at 1 o'clock, the two-way radio communication that started in the morning had not taken place and the outer cordon was not established.

“So many hours have gone by ... this is 1 o'clock when you arrive, that had not taken place”

COLONEL STEYN was contacted by Major General Kadwa about a large consignment of drugs found in a shipping container truck at Scania Trucks premises in Aeroton to attend with his team.

“On Friday, 2021-07-09 ... I received a call from the Provincial Head, DPCI Gauteng, Major General Kadwa ... The General informed me ... a large consignment of drugs was found in the back of a container truck (shipping container)”

Colonel Steyn arrived at the scene around 1 o'clock on the same day of a meeting he was involved in, and found a large number of police officers and detectives present, including members of his team Brigadier Sekgobe (DPCI Serious Organised Crime Provincial Commander) and General Kadwa (DPCI Provincial Head).

“I arrived at the scene at about 1 o'clock on the same day. I found a large number of police officers on scene, uniformed and detectives. Also on scene were members of my team, Brigadier Sekgobe al. The Brigadier is the DPCI Serious Organised Crime Provincial Commander and, in essence, my direct commander. Also, there was General Kadwa, the DPCI Provincial Head.”

Colonel Steyn described the scene as chaotic with around 40 to 50 police officers and many police vehicles present, and the area had not been cordoned off, further contaminating the scene.

“there was a lot of police officers, a lot of police vehicles there. And I would describe it as close to chaotic. For forty, 50 people, easy. And in this area that you said that had not been cordoned off? Indeed correct, Commissioner. So further contaminating the scene, yes.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ludick delegated the scene management to Captain Sebola in Colonel Steyn's absence because they make turns who is the next investigating officer, and it coincided that time with Captain Sebola.

“he was not an investigating officer. We sort of make turns on who is then next investigating officer. And this time the coin fell with Captain Sebola at the time.”

Captain Sebola requested Colonel Steyn's help with managing a chaotic crime scene by instructing team members to set up an outer cordon and restrict non-essential personnel to manage contamination at the scene.

“Captain Sebola indicated to me that he requests me to assist with the following issues. [1] He complained that there were too many people within the crime scene. I instructed some of my team members to cordon the immediate area around the vehicles involved the truck with the container and the vehicles on which the exhibits was loaded onto. Non-essential personnel were moved outside the cordoned area.”

Captain Sebola was more concerned with safeguarding the exhibits according to protocol, which is why the outer cordon was initially not established at the chaotic crime scene.

“Captain Sebola, one must understand, as I mentioned, Commissioner, it was a chaotic scene, and I think he was more concerned with safeguarding the exhibits as our protocols need us to do. The exhibits and the suspects, he was concentrating on that and that is why I think he initially left the outer cordon not to be done.”

General Kadwa, although present at the chaotic scene, would not have involved himself in ground operational issues but would have stayed in the background and been briefed on the situation.

“Generally speaking, General Kadwa would not have involved himself in ground operational issues. So, he would have not instructed people to coordinate, to do X, Y and Z. He was, typically he would just be in the background, and he would be briefed what was going on.”

Colonel Steyn instructed people to cordon off the outer area to control the chaotic crime scene.

“I instruct people to cordon off, to do an outer cordon, yes.”

Colonel Steyn assisted Captain Sebola by coordinating members to take witness statements and deal with suspects including conducting interviews and warning statements to better understand the crime scene and roles of suspects.

“He requested members to assist in taking witness statements. I also asked members to talk to Captain Sebola for him to indicate whose statements need to be taken. He indicated to me who the suspects were and requested members to deal with them. I tasked members accordingly. Starting interviewing the suspects, start taking their warning statements to get a better gist of the crime scene and their role on the crime scene.”

When the bags were still on the back of the black bakkie, they started unpacking the bags and a photograph was taken showing the bags.

“I instructed those two to start unpacking this black bakkie and this is where they started. In other words, they were busy unpacking these bags and as the bags were put there, this photograph was taken.”

Upon opening the first bag and seeing bricks wrapped in black and transparent wrap, the team suspected these bricks to contain cocaine.

“When they opened the first bag and they saw the bricks, they called me over to say, Colonel, come and look what we ... well, as I said earlier, although it needed to be confirmed by analysis by forensics, we knew that we had a very, very large indication that we are dealing with Cocaine bricks here.”

The evidence bags were sealed in front of the suspects as required, but Colonel Steyn is not sure if this was actually done or not.

“The evidence bags sealed in front of the suspects, yes ... I am not sure if it was done, no.”

There was no record completed by Mr. Mashaba or his team reflecting how many bags had been removed from the container onto their vehicle.

“Commissioner, I am not aware of any such record ... To the best of my recollection, such a record does not exist.”

The bricks suspected to be cocaine were wrapped in black and transparent wrap with markings including a bull in red color and a seagull in black on a white background, totaling 715 bricks counted and sealed in official exhibit bags.

“The exhibits were packed in black bags with handles. The two members who I assigned to deal with the exhibits...opened these bags and showed me that it contained bricks...wrapped in black and transparent wrap...Out of experience, the team believed these bricks to contain Cocaine...The bricks also had markings on it and the two I can remember was a bull red in colour and a seagull in black colour with a white background...The count came to 715 in total. The bricks were then sealed in official exhibit bags and recorded.”

The exhibits were transported to Booysens SAPS in an official police vehicle under armed guard and handed into SAP 13 register.

“I assisted Captain Sebola to make arrangements for the exhibits to be transported to Booysens SAPS...The exhibits were transported to Booysens SAPS in an official police vehicle under armed guard (SAPS members). The two members who I appointed responsible for the exhibits also accompanied the exhibits to hand it into the SAP 13.”

The SAP 13 register dated 9 July 2021 records drugs dealing case from which exhibits 3.1 to 3.49 were booked in, describing a sealed bag containing 18 bricks of suspected cocaine.

“And we see on the left-hand column on that page the date 9 July 2021...And it lists the crime, dealing in drugs...describes the exhibits that are booked into the register...3.1 describes 1-time sealed bag with serial number PAB000297151 containing 18 times 110 kilogramme bricks...suspected Cocaine.”

The SAP 13 register entries amount to 684 bricks, which conflicts with an expected total of 700 or 715 bricks from other statements and records.

“Now, I have counted these and in fact, it amounts to 684. I do not know whether you have checked this count...I have not checked it, no...The 684 bricks at total versus the 715 stated and expected.”

The omission of total number of bricks at the end of SAP 13 register entries complicates maintaining the chain of custody and evidence integrity.

“They did not write in the number of bricks...I would agree with you, Commissioner. That would have been much easier... That omission impacts chain of custody and the integrity of the evidence.”

Records kept by officers Morris and Nortje might have accounted for the discrepancy in the number of bricks, but Colonel Steyn was not present when the exhibit was booked into SAP 13 register.

“I think if we have a look at Morris and Nortje's statement, they kept record of this. I do not know if one was just missed or something. But I totally agree with you. That would indeed make a lot of sense. ... I was not there when this exhibit was booked into the SAP 13.”

Booysen SAP13 clerk counted the exhibit bags as part of the handover process and protocol was strictly followed.

“when they handed it into the SAP13 clerk, the clerk was also doing the count... All of that totally in accordance with protocol”

A person expressed serious concerns about the safety of exhibits due to extra movement around his police station.

“he had serious concerns about the safety of these exhibits”

Multiple phone calls were made by a person concerned about the exhibit safety, which became irritating but was intended to ensure safety of the exhibits.

“He actually called me, for lack of a better word, and I do apologise. It was starting to get irritating, the number of calls she actually made to me ... because he wanted to also see to the safety of those exhibits.”

One brick of cocaine got stuck inside adhesive wrapping around the sports bags and was initially missed but later retrieved.

“one of these bricks got stuck inside this adhesive wrapping that was around these bags, and that block was missed... One of those blocks got missed, and it was then retrieved by Warrant Officer Woods”

The adhesive wrapping where the canvas bag was wrapped had a strong adhesive inside, causing a brick to get stuck inside it.

“the wrapping was, it had a strong adhesive on the inside... and it must have gotten stuck in one of those because the 23 bags that was unwrapped”

Captain Nortje reported to Colonel Steyn telephonically on 19 July 2021 that forensics were ready to receive the exhibits and handed over the exhibits to him and Warrant Officer Morris that day, with all items still in order and accounted for.

“While I was off sick with Covid, Captain Nortje reported to me telephonically that on the 19th of July 021, that forensics indicated that they were ready to receive on that day and that he handed in the exhibits, him and Warrant Officer Morris handed in the exhibits on that day ... all still accounted for”

The drugs were transported from the SAPS College safe premises to Forensic Science Laboratory after the 9 July drug bust.

“at this point in time, this was where the drugs were now transported from the SAPS College to FS L ... from the safe premises to FS L”

The drugs were booked into SAP13 on 9 July 2021.

“That was the day it was booked into the SAP 13... On the 9th, correct”

The drugs were taken to the SAPS Training College on 12 July 2021 and locked in a safe storeroom.

“on the 12th, the Monday, it was then taken to the SAPS Training College ... and locked into a storeroom ... As a safe storeroom”

Captain Nortje was in total control of the exhibits after they were unloaded into the strong room and the keys were handed to him with instructions to move the exhibits to the Forensic Science Laboratory when ready.

“I handed the keys to Captain Nortje, with the instruction to see to it that the exhibits be moved to Forensic Science Laboratory as soon as they are ready to receive it ... it would have been Captain Nortje that was in total control of the exhibits henceforth”

Colonel Steyn admitted moving the drugs to the SAPS Training College was a breach of protocol but was motivated by concerns for safety.

“But I had to take a decision in an effort to try and mitigate further risks to the exhibits, and hence my decision to take that move out of protocols”

Colonel Steyn believes protocols allow seven days to move exhibits from SAP13 to Forensics, and that after that time they should not be kept at SAP13 longer than necessary.

“I think protocol allows us seven days, and within the period of seven days we need to move it to Forensics from SAP 13 at a station ... to keep it in SAP 13 longer than is absolutely necessary”

Colonel Steyn is aware that if Forensics cannot receive the exhibits they have a responsibility to find storage capacity but if they cannot, an alternative arrangement must be made for safeguarding the exhibits.

“If they say, I cannot receive, I have to make alternative arrangements... for the better of the exhibits for the safeguarding to the best of my ability until such time that they were able to accept it”

After returning from isolation, Colonel Steyn assisted Captain Sebola by inspecting the docket, issuing written instructions and obtaining outstanding statements related to the investigation of the source and potential destination of drugs.

“On my return from isolation, I further assisted Captain Sebola in inspecting the docket ... issued written instructions ... I also assisted with obtaining some of the outstanding statements”

In 2024, after an IPID investigation into the matter, the IPID case was dismissed by the DPP with no charges against members including Colonel Steyn, but a departmental investigation into DPCI members was requested and conducted by Major General Gerber, which concluded members acted correctly and no departmental steps were taken.

“During the course of 2024, after an IPID investigation ... the IPID case was dismissed by the DPP ... But the IPID requested a departmental investigation ... Major General Gerber was appointed ... After his investigations ... no departmental steps will be taken”

The IPID recommended initiating disciplinary proceedings against five SAPS and Hawks members, including Major General Khan, Major General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola, after an investigation based on various statements and evidences including a radio control transcript and forensic report.

“The recommendation is to initiate disciplinary proceedings as the SAPS members involved are ... Major General Khan, Major General Kadwa, Brigadier Sekgobela, Colonel Steyn, and Lieutenant Colonel Sebola”

The charges against Colonel Steyn that the DPP dismissed were corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

“If my memory serves me well, it was corruption and defeating the ends of justice”

A meeting was held on 3 December with Forensics where Colonel Steyn and others requested to physically see the exhibits but the consignment could not be found and Forensics indicated there was a problem.

“the first meeting we had with the people at Forensics in an effort to try and address this tasking that I received... they went and looked for it, but they could not find the whole consignment and they returned to us and they said to us, well, there is now a problem”

Colonel Steyn contacted Brigadier Allen after the Forensics staff could not find the consignment and requested her to assist and intervene in the matter because he did not get joy from her personnel.

“I then contacted Brigadier Allen who is their commanding officer, and I requested her to assist with this tasking and to actually intervene because I did not get joy from her personnel”

In early February 2025, Brigadier Allen informed Colonel Steyn that they found the exhibits in the storeroom but the exhibits were no longer in brick form but in forensic plastic transparent bags with no markings, only tags describing the lab number and case number.

“In the beginning of February she contacted me and informed me that they found the exhibits in the storeroom but that the exhibits were no longer in the brick form but in forensic plastic transparent bags with no markings on it but the bags had tags on them describing the lab number as well as the case number”

There was a discrepancy in weight between the original consignment of 715.86 kilograms and the current weight of 579.40 kilograms, leaving 136.46 kilograms unaccounted for.

“Based on the original weight of 715.86 kilogram, it only weighed in now at 579.40 kilogram so 136.46 kilograms was missing”

The forensic exhibits were deteriorating because the plastic wrapping with logos had to be removed for testing every brick, leading to the degradation of the packaging and loss of evidence integrity.

“she indicated that that started to deteriorate obviously because of the fact that they had to remove some of this powder to actually analyse it, that wrapping then deteriorated further because they literally, if I understand it correctly, they tested every brick. So, because they opened those bricks, it started to deteriorate and they decided to remove the wrapping and just put it in other bags that they used then to put the evidence in after they have analysed it”

Forensic testing is done on small samples from each brick, not on the entire original 715 kilograms, so it is not possible that testing accounted for the missing 136 kilograms.

“they cannot test, if they test all 715, there is nothing left. So it would be small samples out of each brick, in my understanding, that they do test”

The missing 136 kilograms of evidence powder is a significant loss from the storage room and was upsetting to those involved.

“136 kilograms are not accounted for. That is quite a lot to carry out of the storage room. Indeed. It was quite upsetting to us at the time”

The forensic storeroom was chaotic, with kilograms of exhibits piled on top of one another and on the floor, making it very difficult to locate specific items.

“Lack of a better explanation, chaos... it was kilograms and kilograms of exhibits lying on top of one another and roof height... All in one room. Different bags with the tags on them... I do not know how they would know to go to the back of this facility to retrieve certain items. It is like a puzzle”

The forensic storeroom was secured with strong room doors requiring sign-in and cameras were observed at the entrance, presumably as part of ongoing Anti-Corruption Section investigations.

“There is serious strong room doors in front and you have to sign... I saw cameras. If they are working, I cannot answer. I think so, yes, ought to be... part of the investigation by the Anti-Corruption Section Head”

Colonel Steyn overheard that the call regarding the missing evidence investigation was made by General John Matroos who heads that section in the DPCI, succeeding General Kadwa who is no longer in the police.

“I overheard the call that General Kadwa made ... it was General John Matroos who was heading up that section within the DPCI”

Colonel Steyn confirms knowledge of similar presentations by the Provincial Crime Management Centre (PCMC) but not this specific WhatsApp message evidence; he did not know how the media obtained the information.

“I know there was analysis done by our PCMC ... but to where this comes from, and I have not seen this prior today . . . I do not know where they have gotten this . . .”

Colonel Steyn commented that the difference regarding serial number errors between Nortje's and Morris's statements was likely rectified during his absence.

“Statement from Nortje and Morris, that error or the differences between their statements must have been rectified in my time of absence.”

Colonel Steyn admitted that differences in the reported number of evidences (700 vs 715) might be due to human error and that premature arrests were a 50-50 issue.

“The difference between the 700 and 715 ... must have been the lighting, and it was human error... In terms of the premature arrests, that is a 50-50 issue in my opinion... I would agree with him that we should have just continued with the investigation, and then indeed there might have been a different outcome, but that is in hindsight.”