Suspended Tshwane CFO denies tender manipulation despite WhatsApp evidence

Gareth Mnisi told the Madlanga Commission he did not interfere in R2.9-billion security contract despite messages from police sergeant.

Suspended City of Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi denied allegations of tender manipulation and collusion when he testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry between 17 and 21 April 2026, despite WhatsApp evidence suggesting communication about procurement processes with a suspended police officer.¹²

Mnisi was placed on precautionary suspension for three months on 15 April 2026 pending an investigation into alleged involvement in tender rigging related to a R2.9-billion Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department security services contract.¹ The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in criminal justice and metro police structures.²

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

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 association.¹² He acknowledged receiving communications from Nkosi but rejected suggestions they constituted interference, saying Nkosi operated under a "mistaken belief" that he could assess compliance in the tender process.²⁵

Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged Mnisi's account, suggesting he was "actually cooperating with Sergeant Nkosi" when names were provided a second time.⁵ Commissioner Sesi Baloyi asked why Mnisi, despite being aware of multiple warning signs of possible procurement interference, did nothing about it.⁷ Baloyi said both Mnisi and city manager Johann Mettler bore responsibility for safeguarding procurement integrity.⁷

Three security companies are under scrutiny: Gubis 85 Solutions, owned by Calvin Mahlangu, 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 stated he never personally benefited from any of the three companies.³ He also denied any dealings with Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema related to the tender.⁶

The original tender process was initiated nearly a decade ago, and a replacement tender advertised on 10 March 2026 remains unfinalised.¹ 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