The Gauteng provincial government has suspended its Traffic Police Chief Inspector, Samuel Mashaba, with immediate effect following damning self-incriminating testimony he gave before a public commission.
The Office of the Premier announced the precautionary suspension yesterday, stating that the decision was prompted by Mashaba’s own admissions during a hearing of the Madlanga Commission. The top cop confessed to actions that constitute severe breaches of the Public Service Code of Conduct, law enforcement ethics, and state laws.
According to spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, Chief Inspector Mashaba’s admissions involve the abuse of his law enforcement powers and misuse of state resources. During his appearance before the Madlanga Commission, Mashaba made a series of startling admissions regarding his conduct on the job, including the explicit misuse of the official powers entrusted to him as a law enforcement officer.
He admitted to using state resources and departmental tools of trade for unauthorised personal activities. Most damningly, the traffic chief confessed to taking money from a citizen. “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,” Mhlanga said.
As part of his immediate suspension, Mashaba has been ordered to hand over all state property. He is barred from entering government property or speaking to colleagues to prevent him from interfering with the ongoing probe. Mhlanga confirmed that, “Chief Inspector Mashaba will surrender all his tools of trade such as phones, firearms, laptops among other things and he is barred from entering government buildings or interacting with staff members as this may harm or affect investigations.”
The suspension will remain in place until a formal disciplinary hearing is completed. He further reiterated that the provincial government will not tolerate corruption as it tries to restore public trust in local law enforcement.
“Any conduct that undermines public trust in government institutions will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law,” Mhlanga said.
