Gauteng traffic police chief Samuel Mashaba dies after Madlanga Commission testimony

Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba, who came under intense scrutiny over a multimillion-rand cocaine seizure during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, has died at the age of an undisclosed number.

Reportedly, the Gauteng Provincial Government confirmed on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, that Mashaba died at Milpark Hospital while receiving medical care. The cause of death has not been made public.

His death comes months after his appearance before the commission in June, where his testimony about a major drug bust in Johannesburg raised questions about how intelligence was handled and his dealings with a businessman who allegedly supplied information about the consignment.

Mashaba was subsequently placed on precautionary suspension while the provincial government considered disciplinary action over concerns arising from his evidence.

R300 million cocaine seizure placed him in the spotlight

Reportedly, Mashaba’s testimony centred on the seizure of more than 715kg of cocaine at a Scania warehouse in Aeroton, south of Johannesburg, in July 2021. The drugs were estimated to have a street value of approximately R300 million.

Evidence presented to the commission indicated that the consignment had travelled from Durban Harbour in a truck carrying cargo destined for Scania South Africa.

Mashaba told the inquiry that he had received information about the truck before it arrived in Johannesburg. However, questions were raised about why the information had not been reported directly to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and why his team had not been mobilised to intercept the vehicle at the Heidelberg weighbridge.

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga pressed the traffic police chief on his handling of the intelligence and whether he had followed the appropriate procedures for dealing with suspected narcotics.

The inquiry also examined allegations about the handling of the drugs at the scene and the conduct of officers involved in the operation.

Commission questioned his ties to businessman

Another significant part of Mashaba’s testimony concerned his relationship with businessman Tumelo Nku, who told the commission that he had alerted Mashaba to the cocaine shipment.

The inquiry examined communications between the two men, as well as money Nku had given Mashaba. The traffic police chief acknowledged receiving financial assistance but described the payments as loans or help from a friend.

Mashaba told the commission that he regarded Nku as a brother and indicated that he would try to assist him with police-related matters.

That relationship came under further scrutiny when commissioners questioned messages involving an investigating officer and vehicle keys that may have been held as evidence. Questions were raised about whether Mashaba had tried to facilitate the release of the keys at Nku’s request.

The exchanges prompted broader questions about the separation between an officer’s official duties and personal relationships.

The allegations and evidence formed part of the commission’s inquiry and should not, on their own, be treated as proof of criminal wrongdoing.

Suspension followed his appearance

In June 2026, the Gauteng provincial government placed Mashaba on precautionary suspension pending a formal disciplinary process.

The decision followed concerns about admissions made during his testimony, including possible breaches of public service rules, departmental policies and other legal requirements.

The issues reportedly included the alleged misuse of official powers, state resources and government property, as well as payments from a member of the public that raised potential conflict-of-interest concerns.

As part of the suspension measures, Mashaba was required to surrender government-issued equipment, including phones, firearms and laptops. He was also barred from entering government buildings and interacting with staff members as a precaution against possible interference with investigations.

The provincial government had indicated that the allegations would be handled through the appropriate disciplinary procedures.

Gauteng government mourns his death

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi expressed condolences to Mashaba’s family, colleagues in the Gauteng Traffic Police and the wider law enforcement community.

‘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.’

– Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier

He also wished the family strength and comfort as they deal with their loss. The government has not disclosed the cause of Mashaba’s death. His passing also leaves unanswered questions about the outcome of the disciplinary process that followed his appearance before the Madlanga Commission.

The inquiry has drawn public attention to the conduct of law enforcement officials, the handling of sensitive intelligence and the accountability mechanisms intended to ensure that officers exercise their powers appropriately. Mashaba’s death comes as those issues remain central to scrutiny of the evidence surrounding the Aeroton cocaine seizure.

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