By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The evidence before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has painted a troubling picture of tender processes, in particular a 2016/17 tender for security services to protect property, assets and personnel at the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD).
The commission heard of irregularities,missing documentation and series of legal challenges. Despite these concerns, the contract was ultimately renewed in 2025.
Central to the inquiry is the manner in which companies such as Ngaphesheya Construction, which is owned by police sergeant Fannie Nkosi’s brother Bheki, Elshaddai Security Services and Gupis85 Solutions, were among seven firms awarded the tender, which involved the monitoring and prevention of illegal land and building occupations, as well as the demolition of unlawfully erected structures in the City of Tshwane.
Suspended City of Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi faced a bruising barrage of questions, but his answers boxed him into a corner and exposed cracks in his testimony.
The proceedings have been marked by repeated friction between the suspended CFO, the evidence leaders, and the commissioners, who have expressed frustration with his lengthy responses.
During Tuesday’s session, Mnisi’s legal representative, Annalene van den Heever, accused the commission of attempting to silence her client.
“We believe that to put to the witness that he is wasting the time of the commission in the manner in which he answers is unfair on the witness,” Van den Heever argued.
Commission Chairperson, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, maintained that Mnisi has consistently provided unnecessary explanations for straightforward questions. He emphasised that the commission is operating under strict time constraints to finalise its mandate.
Madlanga clarified his stance on the witness’s conduct.
“I understand where you are coming from, but I will never agree that Mnisi will be given a free hand to explain even where it is not necessary.”
A series of WhatsApp exchanges placed before the commission by evidence leader, advocate Matthew Chaskalson, dealt another blow to Mnisi’s testimony.
The messages could indicate coordination when Nkosi and Mnisi allegedly acted together to influence the tender process.
Mnisi has told the commission that the “JS” referred to in Whatsapp messages between him and suspended SAPS sergeant, Fannie Nkosi, regarding a planned meeting on 16 December 2024, is well-known taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni.
His testimony directly contradicts that of Nkosi, who told the commission under oath that “JS” actually referred to suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, adding that it is a nickname he sometimes uses for Sibiya.
Mnisi rejected this version, explaining that he and Nkosi had planned to meet on Reconciliation Day, but their plans were disrupted when Nkosi had to attend an urgent meeting with Sibanyoni at his Centurion home.
WhatsApp exchanges presented at the commission show Mnisi later asking Nkosi how the meeting went, which he says was only to determine whether their own meeting could still proceed.
He further told the commission that Sibanyoni was also referred to as “Number One” in the messages, a term Nkosi previously claimed was used for suspended deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
Mnisi concluded his testimony and he is expected to comeback on the date to be confirmed by the commission.
Mnisi was placed on precautionary suspension during a council meeting held behind closed doors on 15 April. The suspension is for three months with full pay, during which the metro will institute disciplinary procedures.