Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba placed on precautionary suspension after Madlanga Commission testimony

Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba has been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect after admissions he made while testifying at the Madlanga Commission, the Gauteng Provincial Government said.

Why he was suspended

The Office of the Premier said the suspension follows testimony in which Mashaba made admissions “relating to conduct that may constitute serious breaches of the Public Service Code of Conduct, departmental policies and laws governing public servants.”

Allegations recorded by the province

According to the provincial government, the admissions include concerns about:

• Misuse of official powers entrusted to him as a law enforcement officer;
• Misuse of departmental tools of trade and state resources;
• Acceptance of compensation from a member of the public in circumstances that the province said raise concerns about conflicts of interest and ethical conduct.

Precautionary measures

The suspension takes effect immediately. As part of the precautionary measures, Mashaba is required to surrender all tools of trade, including phones, firearms and laptops. He has also been barred from entering government buildings and from interacting with staff members, the provincial government said, measures intended to prevent potential interference with ongoing investigations.

Province response

The Gauteng Provincial Government said it “takes the allegations seriously” and reiterated its commitment to upholding “the highest standards of integrity, accountability and professionalism” across its institutions. The province said any conduct that undermines public trust in government institutions will be addressed decisively and in accordance with the law.

What happens next

The suspension is pending the outcome of a formal disciplinary process, the provincial government said.