Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba dies amid suspension linked to cocaine bust allegations

Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba, the Gauteng Traffic Police official, has passed away while receiving medical treatment at Milpark Hospital on 13 October 2026, according to the Gauteng Provincial Government. The department's spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, expressed condolences to Mashaba's family and colleagues. Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng Premier, also conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mashaba's family and the law enforcement community, acknowledging their shared mourning.

Mashaba was suspended in June 2026 following his appearance before the Madlanga Commission. The Commission questioned Mashaba regarding undisclosed personal connections to an informant involved in a cocaine bust. On 9 July 2021, Mashaba, along with informant Tumelo Nku, Warrant Officer Marumo Magane, and National Intervention Unit Officer Warrant Officer Steve Phakula, stopped a truck at a Scania warehouse in Aeroton, Johannesburg.

Authorities found 715.86 kilograms of cocaine hidden within legitimate cargo that had arrived via Durban Harbour.

A significant portion of the seized drugs, at least 136.46 kilograms, subsequently disappeared from the South African Police Service's forensic laboratory, suspected to be due to an internal leak. Mashaba, Nku, Magane, and Phakula were arrested on the day of the cocaine seizure and charged with defeating the ends of justice and drug dealing. However, the prosecution withdrew the case provisionally in October 2022 and dismissed it altogether in early 2024.

During his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, Mashaba maintained that he was placed on a three-month suspension following his arrest but expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the internal disciplinary proceedings. He resumed his duties and, in December 2025, was reassigned to a different unit. Throughout the entire situation, Mashaba consistently denied all allegations.