Witness J said businessman Tumelo Nku was not a police informant but an active member of those who stole the Aeroton drugs.
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Witness J has told the Madlanga Commission that businessman Tumelo Nku was allegedly part and parcel of a drug-trafficking network linked to the 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust and not a police informer.
The allegations emerged during in-camera testimony by the Hawks analyst, whose evidence was later released in a redacted transcript after a ruling by commission Chair Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
Drawing on cellphone records, encrypted messages, and movement data, Witness J told the commission that Nku's actions were inconsistent with those of an informer and instead pointed to direct involvement in the movement of a truck carrying cocaine from Durban to Gauteng.
“Tumelo Nku is not an informer as he alleges because if that was the case, the drugs were supposed to be seized in Durban,” the witness testified.
“Why would he risk travelling all the way to Durban and come back following the truck?”
According to Witness J, a forensic analysis of Nku’s communications revealed what he described as a significant role in facilitating the movement of containers allegedly used to conceal drugs.
“During my analysis of Tumelo’s cellphone data, it indicates that Tumelo is a facilitator for the containers that are used to conceal illegal drugs… He is involved in drug trafficking,” he said.
The commission also heard allegations that Nku worked closely with Gauteng traffic police Chief Inspector Samuel Mashaba and relied on contacts within law enforcement structures.
The witness further alleged that Nku had access to individuals within law enforcement structures who assisted in achieving 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.
Witness J claimed investigators uncovered 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.
Witness J 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.
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