Businessman Tumelo Nku has told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that he decided to expand and amend his evidence after seeking advice from his spiritual leader, who encouraged him to speak openly despite his fears.
Spiritual Advice Leads to Revised Testimony
Appearing before the commission on Monday, Nku explained that a conversation following his initial testimony last week convinced him to submit a supplementary statement containing additional information.
His evidence had originally been expected to continue on Friday after he first took the stand on Thursday.
However, the commission postponed the proceedings to allow him sufficient time to complete the revised statement.
Addressing the inquiry, Nku said his spiritual leader urged him to prioritise honesty over fear.
According to Nku, he realised parts of his earlier statement had been influenced by personal reservations.
He said the discussion motivated him to return before the commission and correct the record, believing it was the right decision despite any potential consequences.
Inquiry Focuses on Massive Cocaine Seizure
The commission is examining Nku’s alleged connection to the high-profile Aeroton drug bust that took place in Johannesburg in 2021.
During the operation, authorities confiscated approximately 715 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of R300 million from a Scania depot.
Investigators found Nku parked not far from the scene with roughly R60,000 in cash inside his vehicle.
While he insists he was assisting police as an unpaid informant, authorities have alleged that he played a significant role in facilitating the movement of containers used to conceal the drugs.
Nku Maintains He Was Assisting Police
During his earlier appearance, Nku testified that he had informed law enforcement about the shipment after receiving intelligence regarding the container carrying the narcotics.
He also defended both his presence near the depot and the large amount of cash found in his possession.
According to Nku, the money was intended for business-related travel to Durban, where he planned to meet an informant.
He said he deliberately relied on cash for toll fees and other expenses to avoid creating a traceable financial record.
Financial Evidence Raises Questions
The commission challenged several aspects of Nku’s explanation, particularly his account of using cash throughout the trip.
Banking records presented during the hearings indicated that his bank cards had been used during the same period.
The documents reportedly showed multiple electronic toll payments beginning on July 7, 2021, contradicting his claim that he avoided digital transactions while travelling.
These discrepancies prompted commissioners to seek more detailed information about his movements, including where he stayed during the trip.
Delay Granted for Additional Information
Instead of immediately answering those questions on Friday, Nku requested additional time to prepare a fuller account of events.
The commission agreed to postpone the proceedings until Monday so he could submit a comprehensive supplementary statement.
Returning to the witness stand, Nku acknowledged that fear had influenced parts of his earlier evidence but said he had now chosen to provide a more complete version of events after reflecting on the guidance he received.
Commission Proceedings Continue
Nku’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission remains ongoing as commissioners continue examining his role in the events surrounding the 2021 Aeroton cocaine seizure and testing the credibility of his explanations against the available evidence.
