By Johnathan Paoli
Controversial businessman and self-proclaimed informer, Tumelo Nku, has maintained that he acted as a confidential source for certain police officers during the operation that led to the seizure of the massive cocaine consignment in Johannesburg.
Returning to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Monday morning, Nku denied claims that he formed part of an organised drug network, saying his involvement was solely to assist law enforcement in disrupting the shipment.
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Nku returned to the witness stand after his testimony was postponed on Friday to allow him additional time to prepare and submit a supplementary statement, which he filed on Monday morning.
His evidence forms part of the commission’s wider investigation into allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration, and abuse of power within the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly within Crime Intelligence.
Addressing the circumstances surrounding the Aeroton bust, Nku said the primary objective had always been to ensure that the drugs never reached those awaiting the consignment.
“The main objective was to be a bust. The dynamics or semantics of it were not crucial, so the interception should have had to happen, so long as it would have disrupted the consignment reaching its intended recipient,” Nku said.
He argued that allowing the shipment to reach its destination would likely have triggered a violent conflict among competing criminal groups.
According to Nku, the successful seizure of the cocaine not only prevented the drugs from entering the illicit market but also averted a potentially deadly turf war over control of the consignment.
Throughout his testimony, Nku continued to reject suggestions that he had been an active participant in the criminal enterprise under investigation, insisting instead that his interactions with police officers were consistent with his role as an informant.
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His evidence follows several days of intense questioning by evidence leaders, during which his credibility has repeatedly been challenged. Commissioners have also expressed frustration over inconsistencies between his previous statements and his oral testimony, prompting the submission of Monday’s supplementary affidavit.
The Aeroton seizure has featured prominently in the commission’s hearings, with investigators examining whether elements within SAPS Crime Intelligence manipulated operations involving drug syndicates and whether confidential sources were improperly handled.
Meanwhile, uncertainty has emerged over the commission’s programme later this week following the attempted assassination of Crime Intelligence head Major-General Feroz Khan.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed on Monday that the commission would announce on Wednesday whether Khan would still be able to testify as scheduled after he was wounded in a shooting on Sunday evening in Houghton, Johannesburg.
According to preliminary reports, two unidentified gunmen travelling in a white Mercedes-Benz allegedly opened fire on Khan before fleeing the scene.
Investigators recovered at least two spent bullet casings, while reports indicate Khan sustained gunshot wounds to his lower body. He was admitted to hospital and remains under medical care.
Michaels said the commission was closely monitoring developments and consulting all relevant stakeholders before deciding how to proceed.
“In light of last night’s incident, we will in due course make an announcement regarding the Commission’s programme for Wednesday,” Michaels said.
He added that the commission wished Khan a speedy recovery and was maintaining contact with both SAPS and the general’s legal representatives.
Khan had been scheduled to testify before the commission on 1 July and is regarded as one of its most significant witnesses.
His anticipated evidence is expected to address allegations aired during the inquiry linking senior Crime Intelligence officials to corruption, drug-related offences, and illicit precious metals activities.
