The Madlanga Commission has cited safety concerns for the postponement of the testimony of businessman and self-proclaimed police informant Tumelo Nku.
Nku had just sat down when Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga announced the indefinite postponement.
“There are security concerns about Mr Nkrumah. We cannot hear his testimony. The hearing of his testimony will be, or is being, postponed indefinitely. An announcement will be made in due course as to when the testimony will be heard and under what circumstances,” said Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, as he postponed Nku’s appearance indefinitely.
Nku’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry centres around his alleged involvement in, and knowledge of, the massive July 2021 Aeroton drug bust, where 715 kg of cocaine worth R300 million was seized at a Johannesburg Scania depot. Nku has struggled to explain his involvement in the bust.
Nku claims he acted as a confidential informant and whistleblower who tipped off police about the shipment. However, the commission’s evidence leaders and other witnesses have suggested he may have had a vested interest in the drugs, alleging that he was a facilitator for the trafficking network rather than just an informant.
Unexplained cash: Nku was found by police at the Aeroton scene carrying about R60,000 in cash in his vehicle. He was intensely grilled about this money, eventually admitting that the funds were intended for bribes.
A commission spokesperson said the safety concerns arose after Nku had a change of heart about what he wants to tell the inquiry.