The Madlanga Commission has postponed testimony from businessman Tumelo Nku, who was due to address the July 2021 Aeroton drug bust, indefinitely because of security concerns, according to Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on 2 July 2026. Nku, who claims to have tipped off police in a case involving the seizure of over 700 kilograms of cocaine, faced multiple delays as new developments emerged and his safety became a pressing issue during the hearings.

Details Of Nku’s Testimony And Security Concerns

Nku was scheduled to provide supplementary testimony after he consulted his spiritual leader and was urged to be “entirely honest” in his account. Speaking previously before the commission, Nku stated, “The main objective was there 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.”

Allegations surfaced during proceedings that despite his claim of alerting police to the drug shipment, Nku may have been collaborating with law enforcement officers to facilitate trafficking. On 26 June 2026, proceedings were paused to allow Nku to prepare a supplementary statement in light of these new allegations. Justice Madlanga cited immediate threats to Nku’s safety as the reason for postponing his appearance indefinitely, stating at the hearing: “There are security concerns about Mr Nku. We cannot hear his testimony. The hearing of his testimony is being postponed indefinitely.”

Background To The Aeroton Drug Bust Investigation

The July 2021 Aeroton operation led to the confiscation of cocaine valued at over R300 million, making it one of the largest such seizures in recent years. The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate both the circumstances and alleged collusion between criminal networks and state officials. Nku’s role as an alleged police informant stands at the centre of the inquiry, with unresolved questions about whether he aided law enforcement or participated in trafficking activities.

The commission’s findings on this matter are expected to carry significant implications for police oversight and public confidence in anti-drug operations. The next steps will depend on improved security arrangements for Nku or the emergence of further evidence from other witnesses.