Businessman Tumelo Nku has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that a conversation with his spiritual leader convinced him to amend his earlier evidence and provide a more complete account of events linked to the 2021 Aeroton cocaine seizure.
Appearing before the commission on Monday, Nku said he decided to submit a supplementary statement after reflecting on his initial testimony and being encouraged to speak without fear.
Testimony Delayed to Allow New Statement
Nku had originally been expected to continue his evidence on Friday after first appearing before the commission a day earlier.
However, proceedings were postponed to give him time to prepare an additional statement containing information he said had not been included in his original version.
The commission resumed hearing his evidence on Monday, when Nku explained the reasons behind the changes.
Spiritual Leader Encouraged Full Honesty
Addressing the commission, Nku said his decision followed a discussion with his spiritual adviser after Thursday’s hearing.
He explained that he had been reminded that honesty was more important than his personal fears and that he should return to correct anything he believed had been left out.
According to Nku, his previous statement contained omissions because he had reservations about disclosing certain details. After reflecting on the conversation, he decided to return and “set the record straight.”
Focus Remains on Aeroton Drug Bust
Nku’s evidence forms part of the commission’s investigation into the high-profile drug seizure at a Scania depot in Aeroton, Johannesburg, in 2021.
During the operation, authorities confiscated approximately 715 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of R300 million.
The businessman has been accused of playing a central role in facilitating the movement of containers allegedly used to conceal the drugs.
He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Nku Maintains He Was Assisting Police
During his earlier testimony, Nku insisted he was acting as an unpaid police informant rather than participating in criminal activity.
He told the commission that he had alerted law enforcement after learning about the shipment, believing authorities would intercept it before the drugs reached their intended destination.
Nku also defended his presence near the depot on the day of the operation, saying he had been monitoring developments as part of his cooperation with investigators.
Cash Found in Vehicle Comes Under Scrutiny
One of the issues examined by the commission involves the approximately R60,000 discovered inside Nku’s vehicle when police found him parked near the crime scene.
Nku testified that the money was business petty cash intended for an urgent trip to Durban, where he planned to meet a source connected to the investigation.
He said he deliberately relied on cash for toll fees and travel expenses because he wanted to avoid creating an electronic record that could expose his movements.
Financial Records Challenge His Account
The commission questioned that explanation after presenting banking records that appeared to contradict his version of events.
Evidence presented during the hearing showed that Nku’s bank cards were used during the same period, with electronic payments recorded at several toll plazas beginning on 7 July 2021.
Commission members also requested additional information about his travels, including details of the accommodation where he stayed, prompting the postponement that allowed him to compile his supplementary statement.
Evidence Continues Before Commission
Nku’s revised statement is now expected to form part of the commission’s ongoing examination of his role in the events surrounding the Aeroton drug bust.
His testimony remains underway as commissioners continue questioning him about the sequence of events, his relationship with law enforcement and the discrepancies raised during previous hearings.
