Businessman Lucas Legabe appeared before the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for a formal bail application.

Legabe is accused of stealing 541 kilograms of cocaine worth about R216 million at the Hawks’ Port Shepstone offices in November 2021.

The 49-year-old was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit on August 7.

This is a case that has since come under scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission where evidence has been heard about the circumstances surrounding the seizure, handling, storage and disappearance of the cocaine.

Following his arrest, he was charged and appeared before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on August 11 before being transferred to KwaZulu-Natal, where he was remanded in custody.

He made his first appearance in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on August 18.

According to Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, Legabe’s arrest was in connection to the alleged theft of cocaine, which was seized in June 2021 after Hawks investigators were called to inspect a container at a container depot in Isipingo.

“Investigations are ongoing, with police continuing to pursue all those involved. Further arrests have not been ruled out,” Mogale said.