By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The suspended Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini directly contradicted testimony from the City of Tshwane’ chief financial officer, Gareth Mnisi, on procurement rules, governed by Section 217 of the Constitution, requiring a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective system.
Dhlamini returned to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry at the Bridgette Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane.
He maintained that no work would commence without a purchase order (PO) being issued first.
This appeared to contradict Mnisi’s version, who told the commission that purchase orders were sometimes generated after services had already been rendered.
The clash forms part of the commission’s investigation into alleged irregularities in multimillion-rand TMPD tenders, including payments to companies like Gubis85 Security Solutions Pty Ltd, which has been flagged in relation to site allocation for ad hoc security services.
Dhlamini has also denied having direct dealings with Mnisi.
His denial comes despite being presented with WhatsApp messages suggesting a calculated line of communication between the two officials.
Dhlamini also denied any link between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and allegations involving the ad hoc security tender list.
This follows testimony by suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) Sergeant, Fannie Nkosi, who alleged that Dhlamini sent him a list of companies bidding for the TMPD tender, claiming the firms were linked to EFF leader Julius Malema.
Dhlamini said the reference was merely a request to verify the claims and that the allegations are false.
He further clarified that Malema was not involved in providing any list of security companies, allegedly given preferential treatment, in the tender process.
Dhlamini was also questioned about a procurement matter linked to so-called “Mathews Phosa Municipality” in Mpumalanga, a municipality which, according to evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, does not exist.
The commission also examined Whatsapp exchanges between Nkosi and Dhlamini, in the latter sent a list of issues accompanied by instructions for them to be addressed, advising Nkosi to pass them on to his brother Bheki.
The issues included lease agreements, interpretation of Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act), three years of financial statements to be audited by an independent auditor, and certification that the company had been properly audited.
Dhlamini is currently accused of rigging tender awards during his tenure as Head of Internal Affairs. Allegations suggest he operated in tandem with Mnisi, who has also previously testified before the commission.