Sinenhlanhla Masilela|Published
Suspended Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba, who faced intense questioning at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry over his role in a multimillion-rand cocaine bust in Aeroton, has died.
His death was announced on Tuesday afternoon.
The circumstances surrounding his death, including the cause, had not been officially confirmed at the time of publication.
Mashaba was placed on suspension following his appearance before the Madlanga Commission in June 2026 where he testified about his involvement in a scrutinised July 2021 drug bust operation.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi conveyed his condolences to the Mashaba family and colleagues.
“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Mashaba family following the passing of chief inspector Samuel Mashaba. We also extend our condolences to his colleagues in the Gauteng Traffic Police and the broader law enforcement fraternity, who are mourning the loss of a colleague”.
"May the family find strength, comfort and courage in the support of those around them during this period of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with them," said Lesufi.
Mashaba’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission
Mashaba testified before the commission in June about the seizure of more than 715kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of R300 million, at a Scania warehouse in Aeroton, south of Johannesburg.
According to evidence presented at the inquiry, the drugs had been transported from Durban Harbour in a truck carrying cargo destined for Scania South Africa.
Mashaba had received information about the truck carrying the suspected drugs but admitted during his testimony that he did not report the narcotics tip-off directly to the South African Police Service (SAPS), as required by law enforcement procedures.
He told the commission that he had received the information before the truck arrived in Johannesburg but could not adequately explain why he had not mobilised his team to intercept it at the Heidelberg weighbridge.
Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, questioned Mashaba about his failure to follow the prescribed procedures for reporting and handling narcotics intelligence.
The inquiry also heard allegations concerning the handling of the drugs at the scene and the roles played by the various law enforcement officers involved in the operation.
Questions over his relationship with an informant
The commission also examined Mashaba’s relationship with businessman Tumelo Nku, who said he had provided information about the movement of the cocaine.
Nku testified that he had alerted Mashaba to the suspected drug consignment travelling from Durban to Johannesburg.
Evidence presented to the commission included messages between Mashaba and Nku, as well as questions about money Mashaba had received from the businessman.
Mashaba acknowledged receiving money from Nku, describing the payments as loans or assistance from a friend.
During further questioning, the commission examined messages concerning an investigating officer and vehicle keys that may have been held as an exhibit. Commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned whether Mashaba had attempted to facilitate the release of the keys at Nku’s request.
Mashaba said he regarded Nku as a brother and acknowledged that he would try to assist him with police-related matters.
The commission’s questioning raised concerns about the boundaries between Mashaba’s official responsibilities and his relationship with the businessman.
Placed on precautionary suspension
Following his testimony, the Gauteng provincial government placed Mashaba on precautionary suspension in June 2026, pending a formal disciplinary process.
Previously, IOL reported that the office of the Premier said the decision followed admissions made during his commission testimony relating to conduct that could constitute serious breaches of the Public Service Code of Conduct, departmental policies and laws governing public servants.
The concerns included the alleged misuse of official powers, departmental resources and state property, as well as the acceptance of compensation from a member of the public in circumstances raising potential conflict-of-interest concerns.
Mashaba was required to surrender government-issued equipment, including phones, firearms and laptops, and was barred from entering government buildings or interacting with staff members as a precaution against potential interference with investigations.
The provincial government said the allegations were being treated seriously and that any disciplinary process would be conducted in accordance with the law.
IOL News