Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, an officer with the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, defended himself against bribery allegations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, saying he never took cash from controversial businessman Katiso ‘KT’ Molefe. The claims against Nkosi stem from two videos taken at Molefe’s house on November 27, 2024, where he was seen carrying a bag, suspected to contain cash.
Nkosi explained to the commission that he visited Molefe’s house en route from court. The first video shows him arriving without a bag, and the second video shows him leaving with a bag in Molefe’s company. While at Molefe’s house he said he collected gloves, helmet, a shield and a T-shirt bought by Molefe in December 23, 2023, intending to return them to a Harley-Davidson store because they were small or could not fit Molefe.
Allegations of Improbable Story
Chief evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson said: ‘I don’t find that plausible.’ Nkosi pointed out Molefe already had multiple biking gear items, including three helmets, long and short gloves, and seasonal jackets. He told the commission that despite his initial intention to return the items, he actually did not do so.
Chaskalson highlighted a discrepancy, noting the bag’s contents, with a visible rectangular shape, seemed inconsistent with Nkosi’s claim it held gloves, a T-shirt, a shield, and helmet. ‘I want to put it to you that there are not gloves, shield, helmet and T-shirt in there. That there is a fairly sharp rectangular shape that is inside that bag,’ he said.
Photo Evidence Questioned
Nkosi pointed out that the photo was misleading, citing examples like his sneakers appearing black when they were actually orange, and his blue jeans looking black, suggesting the image was inaccurate. Nkosi also said that he gave SABC reporter Natasha Phiri R500 as a ‘token of appreciation’ for sharing social media blogger Musa Khawula’s contact information.
Nkosi testified last week that Khawula was wanted by police due to complaints from businessman Ze Nxumalo and ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, who found his social media posts offensive. On Monday, he told the commission that the amount paid to Phiri was for ‘just thanking’ her because he knew her. ‘I didn’t pay Natasha for information. I just gave her money because I know her,’ he told the commission.
His version came despite WhatsApp chats showing Phiri asked if he would not thank her after she shared Khawula’s contacts with him. ‘Not even a thank you, sies,’ read Phiri’s WhatsApp message. Nkosi later sent her a message: ‘Where can I send a token of appreciation?’
For more information on the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, visit the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development website. The commission is tasked with investigating allegations of corruption and maladministration in the South African Police Service.
- Nkosi denied bribery allegations
- Claims he collected Harley-Davidson riding gear from Molefe’s house
- Photo evidence questioned due to misleading images
