MADLANGA COMMISSION LIVE | W/O Mbongeleni Mpangase Testifies on Port Shepstone Drug Theft | Senona N

MADLANGA COMMISSION LIVE | W/O Mbongeleni Mpangase Testifies on Port Shepstone Drug Theft | Senona Named Warrant Officer Mbongeleni (or Livingstone/Felix) Mpangase is currently testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Friday, 17 July 2026, regarding the 2021 Port Shepstone/Isipingo cocaine bust and the subsequent theft of ~541kg of cocaine (valued at around R200 million). Key Context from Prior TestimonyMpangase was the initial investigating officer (from SANEB/SAPS) involved in the June 2021 operation. He handled the seizure, registration in SAP 13 exhibits registers (at Isipingo and later Port Shepstone), chain of custody, and samples for analysis. Earlier witnesses (e.g., Maj Gen Flynn) accused him of making false entries in the registers — e.g., claiming drugs were "taken for analysis" when no such analysis occurred, or stating he took items "for investigation" despite lacking authority as a detective to confirm substances without Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) input. He has been implicated or referenced by other witnesses (e.g., Col. Gavin Jacob, Brig. Nyuswa, Lt. Col. Sibiya) in relation to the operation, storage decisions, bypassing chain of command, and exhibit handling. Today's Proceedings (Live Updates)Mpangase has taken the stand, been sworn in, and is giving evidence (reportedly in his home language at times). The commission is focusing on the 22 June 2021 operation: a Crime Intelligence tip-off about cocaine, the bust, handling of exhibits (black bags, no proper forensic bags initially), movement to Port Shepstone, and custody issues.