Gauteng traffic police chief inspector Samuel Mashaba has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that he sees little distinction between the roles performed by traffic officers and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mashaba is currently testifying before the commission, which is examining events surrounding a major drug seizure in Aeroton, south of Johannesburg, in 2021. The operation resulted in the confiscation of more than 700 kilograms of cocaine.
The commission has been probing Mashaba’s involvement in the case after he arrived at the scene despite serving as a traffic officer. According to his testimony, he acted on information about a truck allegedly transporting drugs from Durban to Johannesburg.
Madlanga Commission Examines Traffic Officer’s Role In Drug Operation
Over recent days, the inquiry has heard evidence from several witnesses who questioned why a Gauteng traffic officer was present at a large-scale narcotics operation.
Some members of the Hawks have argued that Mashaba lacked both the legal authority and the specialised expertise needed to manage or process a drug consignment of that scale.
The issue became a focal point during questioning by commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who sought clarity on the distinction between the responsibilities of traffic officers and those of SAPS members.
Samuel Mashaba Maintains Duties Are Similar To SAPS Officers
Responding to questions about the differences between the two professions, Mashaba insisted that the roles are closely aligned.
“There is no difference in being a traffic officer and being a police man because we work under one boss, which is the State, but with different duties,” said Mashaba.
Madlanga replied: “I think what is crucial is exactly the difference in duties.”
[Anti-Immigration March Rejected In Du Noon As Western Cape MEC Warns Against Violence]
Mashaba continued to defend his presence at the scene of the Aeroton drug bust, maintaining that there was nothing improper about his involvement despite his position as a traffic officer.
