Businessman and IT consultant Tumelo Nku is expected to return to the witness stand with tough questions awaiting him over an unexplained R65,000 in cash as proceedings linked to the July 2021 Aeroton cocaine bust continue.
Nku, who maintained he acted as a confidential intelligence source, is expected to continue explaining the origin of the cash and how it was spent.
His testimony comes as prosecutors continue to challenge his version of events in one of South Africa’s most high-profile organised crime cases.
Evidence suggested Nku was not acting as a whistleblower but was instead closely involved in the operation surrounding the 715kg cocaine shipment, valued at about R300 million.
According to evidence previously presented, investigators alleged cellphone records place Nku travelling from Durban to Johannesburg at the same time as the truck transporting the cocaine.
Prosecutors argued that those movements are inconsistent with the actions of a legitimate intelligence source.
The state also alleges Nku worked with corrupt law enforcement officials to stage a fake police operation at an Aeroton warehouse in an attempt to gain control of the cocaine before legitimate police teams arrived.
Further evidence has focused on Nku’s relationship with former Gauteng Traffic Police chief Samuel Mashaba, who previously admitted receiving money from Nku.
Prosecutors contended the payments formed part of an unlawful arrangement, a claim Nku disputes.
Investigators have also questioned Nku about his finances, including luxury assets, alleged unexplained wealth and foreign bank cards that they claim may have been used to facilitate illicit financial transactions.
As hearings resume, the commission is expected to closely examine Nku’s explanation for the R65,000 cash, with his testimony likely to play a significant role in testing the credibility of his claim that he was acting in the interests of law enforcement rather than organised crime.
The proceedings are expected to provide further insight into allegations that have placed Nku
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
