By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Pretoria North magistrates court has denied the suspended crime unit police sergeant Fannie Nkosi bail, citing that he had failed to prove that his release is in the interest of justice.
Nkosi was back in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s court for the finalisation of his bail application.
Nkosi was arrested following a raid at his Pretoria North home where dockets, explosives, and ammunition were found earlier this month.
During a raid at his home earlier this month, he was found in possession of six original police dockets containing evidence, 98 rounds of state-owned live ammunition, a stun grenade, and R52 700 in cash.
He is accused of theft, defeating the ends of justice, and possession of unlicensed ammunition and a stun grenade.
Magistrate Thandi Theledi ruled that “the interests of justice do not permit his release,” pointing to serious concerns that Nkosi could interfere with witnesses, obstruct ongoing investigations, and pose a potential threat to society if released.”
“This court has carefully balanced the applicant’s constitutional rights, his personal circumstances, the presumption of innocence, and the interests of justice. The court finds that the applicant has failed to discharge the onus which rests on him. The interests of justice do not permit the release of the applicant on bail,” Theledi said.
“The applicant’s case is characterised by bad denials and unsubstantiated assertions,” she said.
Theledi found that Nkosi’s conduct was inconsistent with that expected of a police officer and said that his release could undermine the criminal justice system and public confidence.
“The applicant is a police officer who was, by his appointment as a police officer, placed in a position of trust…an abusive position of trust aggravates bail considerations,” she said.
“The allegations against him involve serious charges and abuse of office. His release would undermine public confidence in the justice system,” she said.
Theledi also raised concern about Nkosi’s possession of the police dockets after his suspension, describing it as a serious breach of trust.
“The applicant was found in possession of dockets. The applicant’s explanation that he obtained them lawfully is unsubstantiated. There is a likelihood he will tamper with investigations and witnesses,” Theledi said.
She concluded that Nkosi had failed to provide satisfactory explanations for his possession of the police equipment, ammunition and documents.
The matter has been postponed to 21 May 2026 for further investigations.
Nkosi was suspended and arrested on 28 March following his two-week explosive testimony at the Madlanga commission of Inquiry, which is investigating claims of criminality and political interference in the justice system in South Africa.