Madlanga Commission | Mnisi admits giving gifts to Nkosi, denies kickbacks

Suspended City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gareth Mnisi, has admitted to giving embattled SAPS Sergeant, Fannie Nkosi, gifts.

The Madlanga Commission previously exposed Whatsapp chats between the pair, showing Nkosi expressing interest in one day owning a bakkie that was on the market, even detailing its history and price-tag.

Nkosi claimed he was merely seeking Mnisi’s opinion on the vehicle, despite the commission noting that he may have been asking Mnisi to purchase it for him.

Although not specific, Mnisi says the gifts he gave Nkosi were not kickbacks.

“I did not facilitate or rent any payment to persons referred to in this notice, nor did I purchase any gifts for any such persons. I did purchase a gift for Sergeant Nkosi. I wish to state unequivocally that this gift was not offered as gratification, inducement, or a bribe or was it linked in any way to any official act, benefit, or preferential treatment,” said Mnisi.

Mnisi says Nkosi is one of his close personal friends.

Mnisi testified for the first time on Friday before the Madlanga Commission, where he shared details of his relationship with Nkosi.

Nkosi, who is now suspended following his testimony, implicated Mnisi by suggesting that the CFO was involved in tender rigging at the City of Tshwane.

Nkosi first disclosed their relationship during his testimony, raising concerns over possible improper dealings between them.

Mnisi says his friendship with Nkosi is based on compatibility and shared interests.

Mnisi says he never received kickbacks from Nkosi.

Mnisi has denied the allegations, maintaining he only occasionally relied on Nkosi for personal security.

“Chairperson, I have not received any payment or benefit, either directly or indirectly, from Sergeant Nkosi. I further confirm that I have not received any payment or benefit from a third party from Sergeant Nkosi. I do however wish to state that, on a few occasions, Sergeant Nkosi accompanied me to meetings or gatherings in instances where I might have felt unsafe or vulnerable purely as a friend. I never perceived this to understand that he accompanied me as a benefit of any sort for either of us,” said Mnisi.

Mnisi says he does not have any influence on the tender bidding process at the City of Tshwane.

He also took the commission through the bid adjudication process followed by the city.

City of Tshwane Executive mayor, Dr. Nasiphi Moya, placed Mnisi on pre-cautionary suspension over tender-rigging allegations that emerged during Nkosi’s testimony.

Mnisi says he plays an oversight role in ensuring that all due processes are followed at the stage of the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC).

Written by: Odirile Rabalao