More than 700 kilograms of cocaine were seized during the operation, which targeted a truck transporting the drugs from Durban to Johannesburg.
The commission heard that Mashaba took part in the operation despite regulations prohibiting traffic officers from actively participating in high-level law enforcement operations of that nature.
Mashaba claims he received a tip-off in 2021 from his so-called informant, Tumelo Nku, informing him about a truck transporting cocaine from Durban to Johannesburg.
Instead of alerting the relevant units within the South African Police Service (SAPS), Mashaba allegedly travelled to the south of Johannesburg and actively participated in the drug bust.
The Madlanga Commission heard last week that as a traffic officer, Mashaba was not authorised to take part in an operation of that nature.
He is further accused of contaminating the crime scene by failing to follow the prescribed procedures for handling and processing such consignments.
Gauteng government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said Mashaba’s conduct amounted to a violation of the law.
“The decision follows testimony provided by Chief Inspector Mashaba before the Madlanga Commission, during which he made admissions relating to conduct that may constitute serious breaches of the Public Service Code of Conduct, departmental policies, and applicable laws governing public servants.”
This is the second time that Mashaba is suspended for his involvement in the botched drug bust.
Alpha Ramushwana
www.ewn.co.za
