Gauteng traffic chief Samuel Mashaba suspended over R300m cocaine scandal
via The Citizen2 min read
Gauteng Traffic Police chief Samuel Mashaba has been placed on precautionary suspension following his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. Mashaba is accused of stealing over 715kg of cocaine. The suspension, announced by the Gauteng Provincial Government, is pending the outcome of a formal disciplinary process. Mashaba's testimony at the commission focused on his undisclosed personal ties to an informant linked to the Aeroton drug bust. On July 9, 2021, Mashaba, along with informant Tumelo Nku, Warrant Officer Marumo Magane, and National Intervention Unit Officer Warrant Officer Steve Phakula, intercepted a truck in Aeroton, south of Johannesburg, where 715.86 kilograms of cocaine were found. Subsequently, 136.46 kilograms of the drugs reportedly went missing from a forensic laboratory. Mashaba, Nku, Magano, and Phakula were arrested by the Hawks and charged with defeating the ends of justice and drug dealing. The Office of the Premier stated that the suspension decision was based on Mashaba's conduct, which may constitute serious breaches of the Public Service Code of Conduct, departmental policies, and laws. Allegations include misuse of official powers, departmental tools, state resources, and acceptance of compensation from a member of the public, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and ethical conduct. Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga confirmed the immediate effect of the suspension, requiring Mashaba to surrender all tools of trade and barring him from government
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Herman Mashaba, born in 1959 in Ga-Ramotse village, Hammanskraal, grew up in poverty during the apartheid era. His father died when he was two, and his mother worked in Johannesburg, leaving his elder sister to care for him. Mashaba faced hardship, including stealing water and enduring school punishments due to unpaid fees. Despite financial constraints that cut short his university studies at the University of the North Turfloop, he developed entrepreneurial instincts. At 24, he launched Black Like Me, a haircare product line for black consumers, eventually building a factory and expanding internationally. He later diversified into mining, construction, real estate, security, aviation, and IT. Mashaba transitioned into politics, becoming mayor of Joburg in 2016 under the DA. His tenure focused on service delivery, infrastructure, and anti-corruption, though his cooperation with the EFF created tension with the DA. He emphasized accountability, submitting a comprehensive end-of-term service delivery report in 2020. After leaving the DA, Mashaba founded ActionSA, advocating for ethical governance. He is preparing to run for Joburg mayor again, promising to overhaul all ten municipal departments. His political platform includes fighting corruption, ensuring service delivery for all residents, and curbing undocumented migration. Mashaba, a self-declared capitalist, believes social justice is essential and sees no contradiction between wealth accumulation and concern for the poor
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