Gauteng Organised Crime Unit officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, had difficulty explaining his relationship with City of Tshwane chief financial officer (CFO) Gareth Mnisi at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Media
Questions around relationships, influence, and accountability took centre stage at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry, where Gauteng Organised Crime Unit officer Fannie Nkosi faced sustained scrutiny over his connections to key figures within the City of Tshwane.
Nkosi’s testimony drew attention after he conceded that Gareth Mnisi had assisted him with job applications within the municipality. He described their relationship in unusually close terms, telling the commission that “the way we communicated with the CFO, we declared each other as one.”
Despite this, Nkosi attempted to distance himself from alleged businessman Joe Sibanyoni, stating that while Mnisi knew Sibanyoni, the three had never been in the same meeting. He further maintained that his superior, suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, had no interaction with Sibanyoni.
Pressed by evidence leader Sesi Baloyi, Nkosi’s account came under strain. Baloyi challenged his characterisation of the relationship, suggesting it extended beyond casual acquaintance. Nkosi denied any deeper association but later conceded that he had not been truthful about the number of times he had met Sibanyoni.
He insisted he had no reason to conceal any relationship, stating that there was nothing that would compel him to distance himself from Sibanyoni.
The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, also heard that Nkosi implicated City of Tshwane deputy metro police chief Umashi Dlamini in a dispute involving a supplier. Nkosi said his involvement stemmed from Mnisi’s frustration with a service provider that had threatened legal action against the municipality.
Earlier evidence presented to the commission indicated that Nkosi had allegedly attempted to “capture” Mnisi. WhatsApp exchanges between the two further revealed that Nkosi had been in contact with Kholofelo Morodi, an MMC for Corporate and Shared Services in the City of Tshwane.
In the messages, Nkosi shared an address in Theresa Park in December 2024, stating that he wanted Morodi to address young women at an orphanage.
Following these revelations, City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed that Morodi had been suspended pending an investigation into the claims raised during the inquiry.
Political party ActionSA supported the move, stating that it would not delay action when faced with allegations of impropriety. The party emphasised its commitment to ensuring accountability and endorsed a full internal investigation to scrutinise the claims.
As proceedings continue, the commission remains focused on untangling the extent and nature of relationships between law enforcement officials, municipal executives, and private individuals, with further testimony expected to shed light on the issues raised.
DAILY NEWS