Tumelo Nku 'Not an Informant, But a Drug Trafficker', Witness Tells South African Commission

A South African businessman at the center of a major cocaine bust is accused of being a key player in the trafficking operation, not a police informant. New evidence has come to light as the Madlanga Commission investigates a scandal involving Gauteng traffic police.

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. Not a summary of everything — the one thing that makes someone stop scrolling. A reader who only reads this paragraph must understand what happened.

Tumelo Nku, a businessman from South Africa, has been accused of being a major player in the cocaine trafficking operation that was busted in Aeroton in 2021.

Nku allegedly had a significant role in facilitating the movement of containers used to conceal drugs, according to a witness who testified before the Madlanga Commission.

Tumelo Nku's cellphone data revealed that he was involved in drug trafficking, said the witness, who analyzed his communications.

A redacted transcript of the witness's testimony has revealed that Nku's actions were inconsistent with those of a police informant.

The witness claimed that investigators discovered foreign bank cards allegedly linked to Nku and identified assets that were allegedly held through family members and companies.

Among them was a property worth about R2.9 million that investigators believe was effectively controlled by Nku despite being registered in his mother's name.

Commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned how Nku appeared to fund his lifestyle.

The witness responded that Nku operated a legitimate business distributing Coca-Cola products but alleged that he was simultaneously involved in drug trafficking activities.

The evidence adds to mounting scrutiny surrounding the Aeroton cocaine seizure, one of the largest drug busts in recent South African history.

In July 2021, police seized more than 700 kilograms of cocaine valued at roughly R300 million after a shipment travelled from Durban Harbour to a depot in Aeroton, south of Johannesburg.

But what was initially hailed as a major law enforcement success has since become the focus of serious allegations.

The commission has heard claims that the crime scene was compromised and that cocaine worth approximately R55 million later disappeared.

Nku has yet to testify and has not responded before the commission to the latest allegations. His appearance was postponed following a family bereavement.

Witness J claimed investigators uncovered what appeared to be a close relationship between Nku and Gauteng traffic police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba.

The witness alleged that Nku relied on contacts within law enforcement structures to further his objectives related to the movement and retrieval of drugs.

Mashaba's name has featured prominently throughout the commission's proceedings.

Previous evidence examined WhatsApp exchanges between the officer and Nku, while investigators have questioned the nature of their relationship and financial dealings.

The commission also heard allegations concerning Nku's finances, business interests and assets.

Key Facts

Witness J testified that Tumelo Nku was involved in the Aeroton cocaine bust, not a police informant.
Nku's cellphone data showed that he facilitated the movement of containers used to conceal drugs.
The witness alleged that Nku had access to individuals within law enforcement structures who assisted him in his objectives.
A property worth R2.9 million was allegedly controlled by Nku despite being registered in his mother's name.
Nku operated a legitimate business distributing Coca-Cola products, but also allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
Over 700 kilograms of cocaine valued at R300 million were seized in the Aeroton bust.
Approximately R55 million worth of cocaine later disappeared from the crime scene.

Nku has yet to testify before the commission and has not responded to the latest allegations.

The commission's findings are expected to shed light on the role of the Gauteng traffic police in the scandal.

The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate allegations of corruption and impropriety within the South African Police Service.

The commission has been holding public hearings since its establishment in 2022.

Its findings are expected to be presented to the South African government.

The scandal has sparked widespread outrage among the South African public.

Many have called for greater transparency and accountability within the police service.

The case has also highlighted the need for a more robust system for investigating corruption within the police.

The South African government has promised to address the concerns raised by the commission.

The president has vowed to ensure that the perpetrators of corruption are brought to justice.

The Madlanga Commission's findings are expected to be a major catalyst for change within the police service.

The South African Connection

The Aeroton cocaine bust was one of the largest in recent South African history, with over 700 kilograms of cocaine valued at R300 million seized.

The bust was a major success for the South African Police Service, but it has since become embroiled in controversy surrounding corruption and impropriety within the police.

The scandal has sparked widespread outrage among the South African public, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability within the police service.