By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) crime unit officer Sergeant Fannie Nkosi concluded his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane on Monday.
Nkosi’s testimony has already sketched a troubling portrait of blurred lines where influence, access, and sensitive information may have flowed through a shadowy network operating beyond public view.
The commission has heard claims that Nkosi maintained close relationships with individuals tied to the so-called “Big 5” cartel, raising fears that sensitive investigations may have been compromised.
During the proceedings on Monday, 23 March 2026, Nkosi has denied paying an SABC journalist Natasha Phiri in exchange for information on controversial entertainment blogger Musa Khawula.
Evidence before the commission shows Nkosi paid a phone contact saved as ‘Natasha SABC presenter’ R500 a few moments after they sent him Khawula’s contact details.
The commission has previously heard that Nkosi was facing pressure from controversial businessmen, Ze Nxumalo and Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, to arrest Khawula after he posted details of their personal lives on social media.
However, on Monday, when confronted with the evidence, he had no option but to admit it.
“Now that you have seen it, do you accept that you paid Natasha R500?” said Commissioner Sandile Khumalo.
“I accept it,” Nkosi replied.
The payment was made on November 6, 2024, and the same day, Phiri provided him with Khawula’s number.
Following the testimony, the SABC released a statement on Monday placing Phiri on precautionary suspension.
“The SABC views this matter in a serious light and has placed Ms Natasha Phiri on precautionary suspension while the matter is being investigated,” read the statement.
Nkosi also had extensive links with Matlala. Police raided Matlala’s Waterkloof Ridge home on 6 December 2024, searching for his kidnapped business partner, Jerry Boshoga.
In the days leading up to and on the day of the raid, Nkosi and Matlala had spoken on the phone multiple times. Testifying at the commission, investigators have said they believed Matlala was tipped off and had moved Boshoga.
Nkosi denied he tipped Matlala off, saying he asked him to hand himself over to answer questions in relation to the case. Boshogo remains missing.
He also admitted to sharing documents with controversial businessman Steve Motsumi.
Nkosi received R25,000 from Matlala, supposedly to provide a motorbike escort to a wedding. R325,000 was found in Nkosi’s safe, which he claimed belonged to his brother, who was in the security business.
Then there’s the impala saga, which includes allegations that Matlala gave deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya impalas. Nkosi fired from the hip at the Commission, saying in no uncertain terms that Sibiya had lied about his relationship with Matlala.
Sibiya had told him he didn’t want impalas for his farm, which Matlala apparently wanted to deliver, because “I cannot keep them and they die”.
While Nkosi said he had no reason to lie, he was accused of exactly that at the commission. He had extensive contact with alleged members of the Big Five and repeatedly crossed both ethical and legal lines.