By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba, who is accused of attempting to steal 715kg of cocaine, has been placed on precautionary suspension.
Mashaba was testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry last week over his role in the R300 million Aeroton drug bust in 2021.
He admitted to the Commission that he received information about a truck carrying drugs the night before it arrived in Johannesburg, but could not explain why he did not mobilise his team, which would have stopped the truck at the Heidelberg weighbridge.
Mashaba also did not report to the SAPS the narcotics tip-off as per the requirements. He had earlier said that anything related to narcotics must be reported to the nearest police station.
The premier’s office in a statement, said the suspension takes immediate effect.
It said the decision follows testimony at the commission, during which Mashaba made admissions relating to conduct that may constitute serious breaches of the Public Service Code of Conduct, departmental policies and applicable laws.
“The admissions include allegations relating to the misuse of official powers entrusted to him as a law enforcement officer; the misuse of departmental tools of trade and state resources; and the acceptance of compensation from a member of the public in circumstances that raise concerns regarding conflicts of interest and ethical conduct, “the office said.
“The Gauteng Provincial Government takes these allegations seriously and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of integrity, accountability and professionalism within all its institutions.”
It said Mashaba would surrender all state-issued tools of trade, including phones, firearms and laptops, and is barred from entering government buildings or interacting with staff during the investigation.
Mashaba, informant Tumelo Nku, Warrant Officer Marumo Magane, and National Intervention Unit officer Warrant Officer Steve Phakula were arrested by the Hawks on the day of the cocaine seizure operation and charged with defeating the ends of justice and drug dealing.
However, the case did not proceed, with the NPA provisionally withdrawing the matter in October 2022 before closing it entirely in early 2024.
The Gauteng traffic chief had testified that he was placed on a three-month suspension following his arrest, but indicated he still does not know the outcome of the internal disciplinary process. He has since resumed his duties and, in December 2025, was transferred to a different unit.