Tumelo Nku told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on 25 June 2026 that he had informed deputy police commissioner Sindile Mfazi months earlier about a R286-million cocaine consignment intercepted in Aeroton.
Nku, described as an ethical hacker and businessman, said he first learned of the shipment through confidential sources in April 2021 and shared further details with Mfazi in late June. Mfazi died on 8 July 2021, the day before police seized more than 700 kilograms of cocaine concealed in Scania truck parts at Aeroton, Johannesburg. Nku was among four people arrested at the scene but later released.
During questioning, Nku explained he accessed an individual’s cellphone linked to Scania after being asked to track communications related to possible kidnappings. He said this revealed information on drug distribution. He also defended carrying between R64,000 and R65,000 in cash, stating it allowed discreet travel without bank cards.
Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga and evidence leader advocate Teboho Mosikili pressed Nku on his presence at the scene and accused him of tailoring evidence. Nku maintained he was there as a confidential source and had been in the process of becoming a paid informant.
