R300m drug bust: Key Madlanga Commission witness DIES

Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba, who faced intense questioning over a R300 million cocaine bust at the Madlanga Commission, has died.

Mashaba died at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 13 October, while on precautionary suspension following his testimony before the commission.

The Gauteng government confirmed his death but has not disclosed the cause.

His death comes four months after commissioners questioned him about his involvement in the seizure of more than 715kg of cocaine and his financial relationship with an alleged police informant.

R300 MILLION COCAINE BUST UNDER SCRUTINY

Mashaba testified in June about a July 2021 police operation at a Scania warehouse in Aeroton, south of Johannesburg.

Officers seized cocaine worth approximately R300 million after the shipment reportedly entered South Africa through Durban Harbour.

However, the commission questioned Mashaba about how he obtained information about the shipment and why he had not reported the intelligence through the required police channels.

Commissioners also scrutinised his relationship with businessman Tumelo Nku, who allegedly provided information about the drugs.

Mashaba acknowledged receiving money from Nku but insisted the payments were loans or financial assistance from a friend.

He denied any wrongdoing.

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged his version during questioning.

“You are being untruthful,” Madlanga told Mashaba.

The testimony raised questions about Mashaba’s conduct and his dealings with individuals connected to the operation.

MASHABA SUSPENDED AFTER TESTIMONY

The Gauteng government subsequently suspended Mashaba as authorities investigated possible misconduct.

The investigation focused on alleged breaches of departmental policies, the possible misuse of state resources and his financial dealings.

Officials ordered Mashaba to surrender government-issued equipment, including firearms, cellphones and laptops.

They also barred him from entering government premises and contacting certain employees while the investigation continued.

Authorities had not publicly announced the outcome of the disciplinary process before his death.

LESUFI CONFIRMS MASHABA’S DEATH

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi extended condolences to Mashaba’s 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,” Lesufi said.

“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.”

The government has not disclosed what caused Mashaba’s death.

There is no verified evidence linking his death to the cocaine investigation, his suspension or his testimony before the Madlanga Commission.