Tshwane CFO denies tender manipulation despite messages from sergeant
Gareth Mnisi told the Madlanga Commission he received company names from Fannie Nkosi but did not influence R2.9-billion police tender awards.
Tshwane CFO denies tender manipulation despite messages from sergeant
Gareth Mnisi told the Madlanga Commission he received company names from Fannie Nkosi but did not influence R2.9-billion police tender awards.
Suspended City of Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi denied allegations of tender manipulation at the Madlanga Commission on 17 April, despite WhatsApp evidence showing a police sergeant sent him lists of bidding companies, two of which later won portions of a R2.9-billion contract.12
Mnisi was placed on precautionary suspension on 15 April 2026 for three months while an investigation examines his alleged involvement in tender rigging related to a Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department security services contract.1 The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system and metro police structures.2
Central to the inquiry are WhatsApp messages in which Sergeant Fannie Nkosi sent Mnisi names of companies that had bid for the City of Tshwane security tender.2 Evidence before the commission indicates two of those companies were subsequently awarded portions of the contract.2
Mnisi acknowledged receiving the communications but rejected any suggestion they constituted interference.2 He told the commission that Nkosi operated under a "mistaken belief" that he could assess compliance in the tender process.2 Mnisi maintained he did not assist any bidder, directly or indirectly, and denied any role in influencing procurement decisions.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, rather than a professional or business association.12
Five individuals have emerged as central figures in the alleged manipulation of TMPD tenders: Mnisi, suspended TMPD deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini, suspended Director of Asset Protection Services Tshukudu Malatji, inspector Alfred Phiri, and Sergeant Nkosi.1 Evidence before the commission has pointed to alleged irregularities, missing documentation and a series of legal challenges in the tender process.1 The contract was ultimately renewed in 2025.1
A replacement tender advertised on 10 March 2026 remains unfinalised, nearly a decade after the original process was initiated.1