Suspended Tshwane CFO denies tender rigging at Madlanga inquiry

Gareth Mnisi faces scrutiny over WhatsApp messages with police sergeant and alleged irregularities in R2.9-billion security contract.

Suspended City of Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi appeared before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry between 17 and 21 April to address allegations of tender manipulation related to a R2.9-billion Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department security services contract.¹²⁸ Mnisi was placed on precautionary suspension on 15 April for three months pending investigation into alleged involvement in tender rigging.¹

Central to the inquiry were WhatsApp messages in which Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, a member of the police Organised Crime Unit, sent Mnisi lists of companies that had bid for the security tender.²⁵ Evidence before the commission indicated that two of those companies were subsequently awarded portions of the contract.² Mnisi acknowledged receiving the communications but rejected any suggestion they constituted interference, stating that Nkosi operated under a "mistaken belief" that he could assess compliance in the tender process.² He maintained he neither influenced procurement outcomes nor received financial benefit from Nkosi.²

Mnisi described Nkosi as "like a brother" and characterised their relationship as a close personal friendship formed during a difficult period in his life.¹² However, Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged this account, suggesting that Mnisi was "actually cooperating with Sergeant Nkosi" and may have requested the company names during telephone calls.⁵

Commissioner Sesi Baloyi questioned why Mnisi had taken no action despite multiple warning signs of procurement interference, including being directly approached to assist a particular bidder.⁷ Baloyi noted that Tshwane deputy mayor Eugene Modise had also been approached for the same purpose, and that suspended TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini had allegedly distributed lists of companies earmarked for preferential treatment.⁷

Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson presented findings that recommendations for the TMPD-3 tender were made on 28 May before bids were scored on 29 May, which Chaskalson suggested could constitute fraud.¹⁰ Three security companies under scrutiny included Gubis 85 Solutions, which received the largest portion of the contract; Triotic Protection Services, linked to ANC Tshwane chairperson Eugene Modise; and Ngaphesheya Security, owned by Bheki Nkosi and linked to Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.³ Mnisi distanced himself from all three companies, stating he had never personally benefited from any of them.³

Mnisi also denied having any dealings with Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema or his party in relation to the tender.⁶ The contract was renewed in 2025 despite concerns over alleged irregularities and missing documentation, with a replacement tender advertised on 10 March 2026 remaining unfinalised nearly a decade after the original process was initiated.¹