Samuel Mashaba, the suspended chief inspector of the Gauteng Traffic Police, has died. He died on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, according to the Gauteng provincial government.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi offered condolences to Mashaba's family and to colleagues in the Gauteng Traffic Police. No cause of death has been given, and we are not speculating about it.

What we know about his death

The Gauteng provincial government, through the Department of Community Safety, confirmed that Mashaba died on Tuesday while receiving medical care at Milpark Hospital, according to one report. A second report says his death was announced on Tuesday afternoon and gives no place. His age and the cause of death have not been stated.

Provincial spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the province "wishes the Mashaba family strength and comfort." He acknowledged that the suspension and the commission appearance were part of an "ongoing public process."

Tributes and reaction

Lesufi, speaking for the provincial government, said: "May the family find strength, comfort and courage in the support of those around them during this period of grief." He also offered condolences to the wider law enforcement community.

We have not seen a statement from Mashaba's family, the Madlanga Commission or the Hawks.

His career

Mashaba was a chief inspector in the Gauteng Traffic Police. He was placed on precautionary suspension in June 2026, pending a disciplinary process, after he appeared before the Madlanga Commission, according to the provincial government.

At the commission on 11 June, he was questioned about the July 2021 seizure of more than 715kg of cocaine at a warehouse in Aeroton, south of Johannesburg. He told the commission he had tip-off information about the truck, and he acknowledged receiving money from businessman Tumelo Nku, which he described as loans or help from a friend. He denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Mashaba was arrested by the Hawks in 2021 and charged with defeating the ends of justice and drug dealing. The National Prosecuting Authority provisionally withdrew the case in October 2022 and closed it in early 2024, according to one report. He said after his arrest he was suspended for three months and returned to duty, and he was moved to another unit in December 2025.

What we do not yet know

  • The cause and circumstances of his death, and his age.
  • The place of death. One report names a hospital and another gives none.
  • The outcome of the disciplinary process, and any findings the commission may have made about him.
  • The formal basis for the June suspension.
  • Any statement from his family.