A shocking discovery of over R50,000 in cash hidden beneath a mattress was made at the home of Sergeant Fannie Ezekiel Nkosi during a police raid in Pretoria North last week, a court heard on Tuesday. Nkosi, a 42-year-old member of the South African Police Service’s Anti-Gang Unit, appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court following his arrest on Thursday.
Charges Against Nkosi
Nkosi faces a range of charges, including unlawful possession of explosives, three counts of failure to safeguard firearms, eight counts of failure to safeguard ammunition, defeating the administration of justice, failure to mount a stand-up safe as per the SABS 953-1/2, and theft. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Task Team from the Madlanga Commission received a tip-off regarding the unlawful ammunition at Nkosi’s place of residence, leading to the execution of a search warrant on April 2, 2026.
The search yielded firearms, ammunition, a stun grenade, South African Police Service police dockets, and state-issued items discovered at various locations within his premises. A substantial amount of cash, exceeding R50,000, was found concealed beneath a mattress. Nkosi failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the money.
Previous Implications and Proceedings
Nkosi has been implicated in proceedings at the Madlanga Commission, where it was previously heard that police searched his home on October 8, 2025, and allegedly found a credit card belonging to murder-accused business tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Nkosi has defended his actions, including his failure to disclose that Matlala urgently wanted the card returned ahead of scheduled meetings with senior officials.
The South African Police Service has confirmed that the operation formed part of ongoing investigations. The matter has been postponed to April 13, 2026, for bail proceedings, with the State intending to oppose the release of the accused on bail.
- Unlawful possession of explosives
- Failure to safeguard firearms and ammunition
- Defeating the administration of justice
- Theft
Nkosi spent the long weekend behind bars and is currently under suspension from the South African Police Service.</p)
