Suspended Tshwane CFO denies tender manipulation amid WhatsApp evidence

Gareth Mnisi acknowledged receiving company lists from a police officer but rejected claims he influenced R2.9-billion security contract outcomes.

Suspended City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry this week, denying allegations that he manipulated procurement processes or financially benefited from a controversial R2.9-billion security tender for the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department.¹²

Mnisi was placed on precautionary suspension on 15 April 2026 for three months while an investigation proceeds into his alleged involvement in tender rigging.¹ He appeared before the commission on 17 April and returned on 20 April to continue his testimony.³⁴

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

Mnisi acknowledged receiving the communications but stated that Nkosi operated under a "mistaken belief" that he could assess compliance in the tender process.² He described Nkosi as "like a brother" and characterised their relationship as a close personal friendship formed during a difficult period in his life, rather than a professional or business association.¹²

"I wish to place on record that Sgt Nkosi persistently forwarded me names of two prospective bidders who were subsequently awarded," Mnisi said, adding that he did not assist any bidder directly or indirectly.² He denied any role in influencing procurement decisions or receiving financial benefit from the security companies doing business with the city.²³

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged Mnisi's account, suggesting he was "actually cooperating" with Nkosi and may have requested the company names during telephone calls.⁵ Mnisi struggled to support his testimony when confronted with evidence that contradicted his claim of having ignored Nkosi's requests.⁵

Three security companies contracted by the city are under scrutiny: Gubis 85 Solutions, owned by Calvin Mahlangu, which received the largest share of the tender; Triotic Protection Services, linked to ANC Tshwane chairperson Eugen Modise; and Ngaphesheya Security, owned by Bheki Nkosi and linked to Fannie Nkosi.³ Mnisi distanced himself from all three firms.³

The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system and metro police structures.² Five individuals have emerged as central figures in the alleged manipulation: Mnisi, suspended TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini, suspended Director of Asset Protection Services Tshukudu Malatji, inspector Alfred Phiri, and Nkosi.¹