Suspended Tshwane CFO denies tender manipulation allegations at commission

Gareth Mnisi told the Madlanga Commission he received company names from Sergeant Fannie Nkosi but did not influence procurement decisions.

Suspended City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that he did not manipulate tender processes or financially benefit from a R2.9-billion security services contract, despite WhatsApp messages showing communications with a suspended police officer.¹²

Mnisi was placed on precautionary suspension on 15 April 2026 for three months pending an investigation into alleged tender rigging.¹ The commission is examining procurement processes for Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department security services to protect property, assets and personnel.¹²

Central to the inquiry are WhatsApp messages in which Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, a member of the police Organised Crime Unit, sent Mnisi lists of companies that had bid for city security tenders.²⁵ Evidence before the commission indicates two companies on those lists were subsequently awarded portions of the contract.²

Mnisi acknowledged receiving the communications but rejected suggestions they constituted interference.² He told the commission Nkosi "persistently forwarded me names of two prospective bidders who were subsequently awarded," adding that Nkosi operated under a "mistaken belief" that he could assess compliance in the tender process.² Mnisi said he made clear to Nkosi that he could not verify tender compliance.⁵

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged this account, suggesting Mnisi "were actually cooperating with Sergeant Nkosi" and may have requested company names during telephone calls.⁵ Mnisi struggled to support aspects of his testimony when confronted with evidence.⁵

Mnisi described Nkosi as "like a brother" and said their relationship was a close personal friendship formed during a difficult period in his life rather than a professional or business association.¹² He denied having any dealings with Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema or his party in relation to the tender.⁶

Three security companies are under scrutiny: Gubis 85 Solutions, which received the largest share of the contract; Triotic Protection Services, linked to ANC Tshwane chairperson Eugen Modise; and Ngaphesheya Security, owned by Bheki Nkosi and linked to Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.³ Mnisi stated he never personally benefited from any of them.³

The commission is investigating five individuals as central figures in alleged tender manipulation: Mnisi, suspended TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini, suspended Director of Asset Protection Services Tshukudu Malatji, inspector Alfred Phiri, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.¹ A replacement tender advertised on 10 March 2026 remains unfinalised, nearly a decade after the original process began.¹