Suspended Gauteng traffic police chief inspector Samuel Mashaba dies
Suspended Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba, who was questioned at the Madlanga Commission over the 2021 Aeroton cocaine seizure, has died. The cause of death had not been confirmed at the time of publication.
Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba, a Gauteng Traffic Police officer, has passed away, according to a statement released on Tuesday afternoon. The nature of his death has not been officially confirmed. In June 2026, Mashaba faced intense questioning at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry regarding his role in a multimillion-rand cocaine bust in Aeroton.
He was subsequently placed on suspension following his testimony. Premier Panyaza Lesufi expressed condolences to Mashaba's family and colleagues, stating that they were mourning the loss of a valued member of the Gauteng Traffic Police and the broader law enforcement community. Mashaba testified about the seizure of over 715kg of cocaine, valued at approximately R300 million, at a Scania warehouse.
He had received information about the suspected drugs but failed to report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) as required by law. The commission scrutinised Mashaba's handling of narcotics intelligence and his relationship with businessman Tumelo Nku, who provided critical information about the drug consignment. Mashaba admitted to receiving money from Nku, describing it as loans or assistance from a friend.
The Gauteng provincial government placed Mashaba on precautionary suspension pending further disciplinary action.
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