Gauteng traffic police chief Samuel Mashaba testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry this week.

• Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba has been placed on precautionary suspension pending a formal disciplinary process.
• The Madlanga Commission heard that in the 2021 Aeroton drug bust, Mashaba allegedly posed as Crime Intelligence to intercept a container carrying 715kg of cocaine, worth an estimated R300 million.
• The Gauteng government said that Mashaba’s admissions may reflect serious breaches of conduct and ethics.

Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba, who is accused of attempting to steal 715kg of cocaine, has been suspended.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Gauteng provincial government said that Mashaba was placed on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of a formal disciplinary process.

Mashaba had been testifying at the Madlanga Commission during the week about his involvement in the alleged attempted theft and mishandling of a major drug bust in Johannesburg in 2021.

In the 2021 Aeroton drug bust, Mashaba allegedly posed as Crime Intelligence to intercept a container carrying 715kg of cocaine, worth an estimated R300 million.

The commission heard that Mashaba, a traffic chief with no narcotics seizure mandate, was accused of being financially involved with drug trafficking-linked “informant” Tumelo Nku.

Evidence before the commission is that Mashaba received information about the container in which the drugs were stored from Nku, from whom he has admitted receiving up to R50 000.

READ | Gauteng traffic chief posed as CI officer in bid to steal 715kg cocaine, commission hears

Mashaba has also described his dealings with the drug trafficking-linked Nku as a “side hustle”.

According to government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga, Mashaba made admissions before the commission that may constitute serious breaches of the Public Service Code of Conduct, departmental policies, and laws governing public servants.

Mhlanga said that the allegations levelled against Mashaba included the misuse of official powers entrusted to him as a law enforcement officer, the misuse of departmental resources and equipment, and the acceptance of compensation from a member of the public in circumstances that raise concerns about conflicts of interest and ethical conduct.

Mhlanga said:

As part of the suspension conditions, Mashaba has been instructed to surrender all government-issued tools of trade, including firearms, cellphones and laptops.

He is also prohibited from entering government buildings or interacting with government employees while investigations continue.

“The Gauteng provincial government remains committed to building an ethical, capable, and professional public service that serves residents with honesty and integrity. Any conduct that undermines public trust in government institutions will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law,” Mhlanga said.