The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has confronted Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Samuel Mashaba with allegations that he could be linked to a criminal network involving alleged police informant Itumeleng Nku.
Mashaba completed his testimony before the commission in Pretoria after spending more than two days giving evidence.
During proceedings, evidence emerged suggesting that Mashaba, who reportedly had limited experience in drug-related investigations, failed to follow established police procedures when handling the 2021 Aeroton drug bust south of Johannesburg. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 700 kilogrammes of cocaine.
Madlanga Commission Questions Mashaba Over Alleged Criminal Network
Commissioner Sesi Baloyi put the allegations directly to Mashaba during his testimony.
“I put to you for your comment, that the appearances here are you part of a criminal network. And you may possibly still be part of a criminal network that is involved in off the books, in fact, let me not call it off the books sub-operations, because it’s a CPT sub-operations.”
Baloyi further stated, “You are involved in unlawful activities, you personally, with Mr Nku, who from the WhatsApp messages that we have seen, is involved in activities that involve drug trafficking.”
Aeroton Cocaine Seizure Under Scrutiny
A key focus of the commission’s examination has been the handling of the Aeroton drug scene in 2021, where authorities confiscated more than 700 kilogrammes of cocaine.
Evidence presented before the inquiry indicated that prescribed police protocols may not have been followed during the processing of the scene, raising concerns that have featured prominently during Mashaba’s testimony.
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With Mashaba’s evidence now concluded, the Madlanga Commission is scheduled to resume its hearings on Wednesday next week as it continues examining allegations related to law enforcement operations and criminal activities.
