Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba has been placed on precautionary suspension. Image: X
Madlanga Commission
1Min
South Africa
Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba suspended pending disciplinary hearing
Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba has been placed on precautionary suspension following admissions made during his testimony before the Madlanga Commission, where he faced scrutiny over a multimillion-rand drug bust investigation.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has placed Gauteng Traffic Police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba on precautionary suspension with immediate effect pending the outcome of a formal disciplinary process.
The Office of the Premier announced the suspension on Sunday, citing admissions made by Mashaba during his testimony before the Madlanga Commission that may constitute serious violations of the Public Service Code of Conduct, departmental policies, and laws governing public servants.
Mashaba recently appeared before the commission in relation to a multimillion-rand drug bust. During his testimony, he came under intense questioning and was warned by the commission that failing to provide satisfactory answers could amount to a criminal offence.
According to the provincial government, the allegations against Mashaba include the misuse of powers entrusted to him as a law enforcement officer, the improper use of departmental resources and state property, as well as accepting compensation from a member of the public in circumstances that raise concerns about conflicts of interest and ethical conduct.
"The Gauteng Provincial Government takes these allegations seriously and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism within all its institutions," the Office of the Premier said.
As part of the suspension conditions, Mashaba will be required to surrender all government-issued tools of trade, including firearms, mobile phones and laptops. He has also been barred from entering government premises or interacting with staff members while investigations are underway.
The provincial government reiterated its commitment to building an ethical and professional public service, warning that any conduct that undermines public trust in government institutions will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law.
The disciplinary process is expected to proceed in line with labour legislation and principles of procedural fairness.
