Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba has died, the Gauteng Provincial Government has confirmed, following his appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he was questioned about a high-profile drug bust in Johannesburg.
Mashaba testified before the commission about his involvement in the July 2021 Aeroton drug bust in the south of Johannesburg, during which cocaine with an estimated street value of approximately R300 million was seized.
Following his appearance before the commission, Mashaba was placed on precautionary suspension pending a formal disciplinary process.
The circumstances surrounding his death were not detailed in the statement provided by the provincial government.
Gauteng government expresses condolences
Gauteng Provincial Government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga described Mashaba’s death as a profound loss for his family and loved ones.
Mhlanga said the government extended its condolences to those affected by his passing and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.
The spokesperson also conveyed wishes for strength and comfort as the family comes to terms with the loss.
Drug bust examined at commission
The Aeroton drug bust, which took place in July 2021, involved the seizure of cocaine estimated to be worth R300 million on the street.
Mashaba’s role in the operation was among the matters raised during his testimony before the Madlanga Commission. His subsequent precautionary suspension was pending a formal disciplinary process.
No information provided in the government statement establishes a connection between Mashaba’s death and his commission testimony or suspension.
His passing comes as the commission continues examining matters within its mandate concerning criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system.
The provincial government’s announcement focused on the loss to Mashaba’s family and loved ones, as condolences followed confirmation of his death.