Chief Samuel Mashaba

Prior to 9 July 2021, MR NKU's relationship with Chief Samuel Mashaba was that of a professional acquaintance, introduced through a mutual contact in 2019 who could assist in referring information on suspected criminal activity to appropriate law enforcement.

“Prior to 9 July 2021, my relationship with Chief Samuel Mashaba was that of a professional acquaintance ... introduced to him in 2019 through a mutual contact, with the understanding that he could assist in ensuring the information related to suspected criminal activity was referred to appropriate law enforcement structures.”

MR NKU was introduced to Chief Mashaba by a person he knew personally, a businessman in the mining space, and their initial relationship was influenced by a misunderstanding due to translation in isiZulu at the introduction stage.

“When I was introduced to Chief Mashaba, the person who introduced me to him ... he is a businessman who is in the mining space ... when I was introduced in isiZulu ... so it might mean a array of things. But remember, my mindset ... that the closest person to the Hawks ... is this person. That is the first person that I would think of. That is how I introduced.”

MR NKU acknowledged Chief Mashaba was never part of or employed by the Hawks law enforcement structure.

“Chief Mashaba was never into the Hawks, or worked for the Hawks. Do you accept that? No, I do accept that, Chair.”

MR NKU's acquaintance with General Mfazi was gained in early 2019 or possibly as late as 2018, which was before he knew General Mfazi, making his acquaintance with Chief Mashaba earlier than with General Mfazi.

“I had gained the acquaintance of General Mfazi in 2022. In 2021, rather, apologies. But with Chief Mashaba, it might be in 2019. I stand to be corrected, it might even be maybe late 2018. But I believe it is early, early 2019. So, ja, that was two years back, way before I knew General Mfazi.”

MR NKU, prior to 9 July 2021, and Chief Mashaba did not ordinarily share social spaces or a close social relationship, but their acquaintance was partly due to mutual contacts and political affiliations.

“Prior to the 9th of July 2021, you and Chief Mashaba, your relationship was that of a professional acquaintance. ... We would not ordinarily share social spaces. ... Generally we would not be in the same social spaces.”