Madlanga Commission | Dlamini’s testimony contradicts Tshwane CFO on tender processes

Suspended Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) Deputy Chief of Police, Umashi Dhlamini, has given testimony before the Madlanga Commission that appears to contradict evidence presented by suspended City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gareth Mnisi, on procurement processes for ad hoc security services.

Dhlamini maintained that no work would commence without a purchase order (PO) being issued first.

This appeared to contradict Mnisi’s version, in which he told the commission that purchase orders were sometimes generated after services had already been rendered.

The clash forms part of the commission’s investigation into alleged irregularities in multimillion-rand TMPD tenders, including payments to companies like Gubis85 Security Solutions Pty Ltd, which has been flagged in relation to site allocation for ad hoc security services.

Dhlamini also denied any link between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and allegations involving the ad hoc security tender list.

This follows testimony by suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) Sergeant, Fannie Nkosi, who alleged that Dhlamini sent him a list of companies bidding for the TMPD tender, claiming the firms were linked to “CIC Juju.”

Dhlamini says the reference was merely a request to verify the claims and that the allegations are false.

He further clarified that EFF leader, Julius Malema, was not involved in providing any list of security companies, allegedly given preferential treatment, in the tender process.

During questioning by evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson, Dhlamini was challenged on the wording of a message he sent to Nkosi.

Dhlamini was also questioned about a procurement matter linked to so-called “Mathews Phosa Municipality” in Mpumalanga, a municipality which, according to evidence leader, Matthew Chaskalson, does not exist.

The commission also examined Whatsapp exchanges between Nkosi and Dhlamini, in the latter sent a list of issues accompanied by instructions for them to be addressed, advising Nkosi to pass them on to his brother Bheki.

The issues included lease agreements, interpretation of Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act), three years of financial statements to be audited by an independent auditor, and certification that  the company had been properly audited.

Dlamini attempted to support Nkosi’s version that the correspondence related to a tender process allegedly based in Mpumalanga.

However, Chaskalson pointed out that no municipality by that name exists.

“Yes, Sergeant Nkosi said it was for a Matthews Phosa Municipality, but no such municipality exists. In fact, Matthews Phosa called me to say there is no municipality named after him. Which municipality do you say it was?” asked Advocate Chaskalson.

“I don’t know, SC,” replied Dlamini.

“You say this is a different tender. It’s not your tender, it’s not a TMPD tender?” Chaskalson asked.

“That’s what I indicated, SC,” Dlamini replied.

“Why were you getting involved in this process?” Chaskalson asked.

Dlamini said he had referred Nkosi to another individual, Nico, who he said often assisted with documentation and communication.

The commission will resume proceedings on Monday.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao