Madlanga Commission | Mnisi contradicts Nkosi over ‘JS’ identity

Suspended City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer, Gareth Mnisi, has told the Madlanga Commission that the “JS” referred to in Whatsapp messages between him and suspended SAPS sergeant, Fannie Nkosi, regarding a planned meeting on 16 December 2024, is well-known taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni.

His testimony directly contradicts that of Nkosi, who told the commission under oath that “JS” actually referred to suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, adding that it is a nickname he sometimes uses for Sibiya.

Mnisi rejected this version, explaining that he and Nkosi had planned to meet on Reconciliation Day, but their plans were disrupted when Nkosi had to attend an urgent meeting with Sibanyoni at his Centurion home.

WhatsApp exchanges presented at the commission show Mnisi later asking Nkosi how the meeting went, which he says was only to determine whether their own meeting could still proceed.

He further told the commission that Sibanyoni was also referred to as “Number One” in the messages, a term Nkosi previously claimed was used for Sibiya.

Mnisi also told the commission that he had no knowledge of discussions between Nkosi and Mampane, an alleged associate of the late taxi boss Jonathan Mswazi Msibi.

This comes after WhatsApp messages showed Mampane allegedly instructing Nkosi to advise Mnisi to cancel a TMPD tender after receiving a report with him.

The commission heard that Nkosi shared a draft report with Mnisi on 25 March last year, before forwarding it to Mampane five days later – something Mnisi claims he was unaware of.

Messages presented to the commission also show Mampane allegedly responding: “Buti, please let him say no to that appointment.”

The Tshwane Bid Adjudication Committee, chaired by Mnisi, later cancelled the tender appointment. Mnisi provided reasons for the cancellation, but Chaskalson said they were insufficient.

Mnisi is also accused of withholding information regarding his urgent request to contact suspended Tshwane Metroplolitan Police Department (TMPD) deputy police chief, Umashi Dlamini, over Gubis 85 Security Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

At the time, TMPD under Deputy Chief Revos Spies, had issued a termination-of-services letter to the company.

WhatsApp exchanges show Mnisi discussed the matter with Nkosi and agreed to arrange a meeting with Dlamini.

The commission raised concerns that Mnisi’s continued engagement with Nkosi on City of Tshwane matters outside his professional mandate, as well as his use of a personal phone to contact Dlamini instead of official channels.

Mnisi defended the decision, saying it was more effective.

“Chair, I have already conceded that I should have asked for the details first and I did correct myself few hours afterwards by getting the details. The reason for me addressing this via telephonic mode of communication with deputy Dlamini is because it’s my responsibility to ensure that finance related matters at TMPD are taken care of,” he said.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao