The Madlanga Commission hears testimony from Chief Samuel Mashaba, the head of Gauteng traffic police, in connection with the 2021 Aeroton drug bust valued at R300 million. According to reports, Mashaba’s evidence is scrutinised over allegations that police actions during the operation were marked by non-compliance and lack of proper reporting, including questions about whether he failed to report a drug tip-off associated with the case.
One theme emerging from the testimony is that the operation is described as involving alleged interference and “chaos,” with concerns raised about how officers responded and whether procedures were followed. Mashaba is also expected to address broader concerns about his conduct and that of other officers in the aftermath and handling of information linked to the bust.
Both accounts describe the commission’s focus on accountability and compliance, with Mashaba facing tough questions about what he knew, what he reported, and how the operation was managed. The reports do not indicate the commission’s conclusions at this stage.
