By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba, has passed away today, 13 October 2026, at Milpark Hospital while receiving medical care.
His death was announced by the Gauteng Provincial Government this afternoon.
Mashaba was placed on suspension following his appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in June 2026.
A suspension letter signed by acting head of department Roche Mogorosi cited alleged misuse of official powers and departmental resources, as well as the acceptance of compensation from a member of the public.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi conveyed his condolences to the Mashaba family and colleagues.
“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. We also extend our condolences to his colleagues in the Gauteng Traffic Police and the broader law enforcement fraternity, who are mourning the loss of a colleague”.
“May the family find strength, comfort and courage in the support of those around them during this period of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” said Lesufi.
Mashaba testified over three days in June about the seizure of more than 715kg of cocaine, valued at approximately R300-million, in Aeroton in July 2021.
He told the commission that a tip-off from police informant Tumelo Nku had led him to track a truck transporting the suspected drugs from Durban to Johannesburg.
However, evidence leaders questioned why Mashaba, a traffic police officer, had become involved in the operation and why he had not stopped the truck at the Heidelberg weighbridge, which fell under his authority, or reported the operation through official police channels.
The commission also heard evidence raising questions about the handling of the scene and the subsequent arrests of law enforcement officers.
Mashaba was among four officers arrested at the scene by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, on allegations of drug dealing.
The provincial government stressed that the suspension was not a finding of guilt and that Mashaba would retain his salary and benefits while the disciplinary process is ongoing.