The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will hear the testimony of businessman Tumelo Nku next week.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
The testimony of businessman Tumelo Nku regarding his involvement in the R300 million Aeroton dug bust has been postponed to next week, after his attorney cited a bereavement in the family.
Nku was expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission on Thursday; however, his attorney, Piet du Plessis of BKK Attorneys, brought a postponement application, explaining circumstances that do not allow Nku to be present at the Commission.
The Commission’s evidence leader, Advocate Tebogo Mosikili, told the Commission that the application was served and made present and available to the Commissioners and evidence leaders, who have considered the reason and agreed it would be prudent to allow a postponement.
He stated that the arrangement would be subject to the endorsement by the Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
“As things stand, Chair, we endorse that the appearance be postponed and he be ordered to appear next week Thursday, June 18, 2026. Mr Du Plessis is here to confirm that arrangement, Chair,” Mosikili said.
Du Plessis told the Commission that there was a bereavement in the Nku family, and the evidence leaders considered his request for postponement. He said his client will be available next week for the date arranged.
Madlanga noted that Nku’s application was very sparse on facts, stating that under normal circumstances it would not be granted. He, however, granted the postponement and confirmed with Du Plessis that the terms of the order will be conveyed to Nku.
Last week, Lieutenant Colonel Nkoana Joseph Sebola, the investigating officer in the Aeroton drug bust, testified that Nku had inside information about the truck carrying drugs, and he even drove to Durban and drove back to Johannesburg, while tailing the truck.
Sebola presented texts and screenshots linking local individuals to international drug traffickers and referenced messages received by Nku from an alias ‘Alpha,’ highlighting potential implications following the cocaine interception.
He mentioned that individuals from Transnet, SARS Customs, SAPS officials, freight companies, forklift drivers, and business people facilitated the movement of the consignment; details of which were contained in text messages shared via screenshots.
The Commission heard that Nku had claimed to be a police informant.