By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court reserved judgement in the bail application of suspended South African Police Services (SAPS) organised crime unit sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
Nkosi appeared at the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court for his formal bail application on Monday.
He was arrested earlier this month by SAPS Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Task Team, following a raid at his home in Pretoria North.
On Thursday, 02 April 2026, an operative team from the police’s Special Investigations Task Team —raided his house.
The search resulted in the seizure of a substantial cache of illicit items, including numerous firearms, unlicensed ammunition, a hand grenade, and various police case dockets.
Nkosi was already suspended due to prior allegations before Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that he acted as an intermediary between suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya and alleged figures linked to crime cartels.
He is facing multiple charges, including unlawful possession of explosives, three counts of failure to safeguard firearms, eight counts of failure to safeguard ammunition, and defeating the administration of justice.
During the court proceedings the State prosecutor Tholoana Sekhonyana argued that Nkosi should be denied bail.
“The evidence suggests that the applicant operated outside the bounds of lawful police conduct and engaged in unauthorised investigative activities, undermining established procedures.
“Even if this honourable court were to impose a high amount of bail, it will be paid using the proceeds of crime, which the applicant can easily forfeit in return for his freedom.”
Defence attorney Sizo Dlali countered in his closing arguments that the onus was not on the defence to argue against the charges, but simply to prove Nkosi’s suitability and willingness to comply with bail conditions.
“I am glad that the state has considered that we don’t have to prove our guilt or innocence at this stage.”
“And, if the state concedes that, your worship, then by logic it says that we do not have to dispute whatever allegations they are raising.”
“What you need to do is know the facts that indicate that it would be in the best interest of justice that Nkosi be released on bail,” Dlali stated.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Thandi Theledi reserved judgment until Wednesday, 22 April 2026 when she will rule on whether Nkosi is granted bail or he remain behind bars.
In the days leading up to and on the day of the raid, Nkosi and underworld kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala had spoken on the phone multiple times.
Nkosi denied he tipped Matlala off, saying he asked him to hand himself over to answer questions in relation to the case involving kidnapped business partner, Jerry Boshoga, who remains missing.
He 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 Sibiya impalas. Nkosi fired from the hip at the commission, saying in no uncertain terms that Sibiya had lied about his relationship with Matlala.
Meanwhile Matlala’s case has been postponed to 13 May, with the State requesting that he remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre until his next court appearance.
Matlala and four co-accused are facing 25 charges, including money laundering and multiple counts of attempted murder.
The matter came before the court amid ongoing disputes between the prosecution and defence over disclosure of evidence and readiness for a formal pre-trial hearing.