Lucas Legabe (49) went home to Pretoria on September 14 after he was given bail of R50 000 by Port Shepstone magistrate Nonjabulo Moleele

He is accused of stealing 541kg of cocaine worth over R200m from the Hawks’ offices in Port Shepstone in 2021.

Legabe is facing charges of housebreaking with intent to steal, dealing in drugs or possession of drugs.

His bail application hearing started on September 8, where his lawyer, advocate Henrik Potgieter, stated the reasons for his client to be released.

The state prosecutor, who asked not to be named, argued on September 9 why Legabe should not be released.

The prosecutor said the state was still waiting for the results of forensic investigations, cellphone analysis and SARS investigations.

The court also heard on September 14 that additional accused in the case are still at large.

Moleele granted Legabe bail and set down December 1 for him to appear in court again.

Moleele said the accused showed that he is willing to cooperate and had surrendered his passport.

He was thus able to apply for a schedule five bail application, which requires the accused to actively satisfy the court that the release is in the interests of justice.

Moleele explained that previous convictions expunged in 2013 cannot be attached to this case as expunging gives relief to the accused or suspect.

She said the court has also looked at the risks that Legabe might pose if released on bail.

“The state was not able to identify that the witnesses are known to the suspect, and did not provide evidence but rather a theory that Legabe knows the witnesses and could be in danger if he comes out.”

Legabe is to report to the Brooklyn police station every Monday, have no communication with state witnesses, and not interfere with police investigations.

Failure to follow these conditions would result in a warrant of arrest being issued.

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