Suspended TMPD Deputy Chief denies CFO ties

Suspended Deputy Chief of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Umashi Dhlamini, has denied having direct dealings with the City’s CFO, Gareth Mnisi.

This denial comes despite being presented with WhatsApp messages suggesting a calculated line of communication between the two officials.

Dhlamini returned to the Madlanga Commission on Friday to testify regarding the awarding of several lucrative contracts.

Among these is a controversial 2.9 billion rand tender awarded to a company linked to disgraced police officer Fannie Nkosi.

Dhlamini was suspended last month following testimony that implicated him in widespread tender interference within the TMPD.

READ: Suspended TMPD Deputy Chief denies conflict of interest

The commission spent a significant portion of the day questioning Dhlamini about odd communication between him and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.

Evidence suggests that Nkosi acted as a bridge for sensitive information regarding the procurement process.

Under oath, Dhlamini admitted to receiving inquiries from individuals claiming to be from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who sought to influence tender outcomes. Dhlamini testified that he checked with CFO Gareth Mnisi to see if these individuals were on a list, but maintained that he funnelled this inquiry through Nkosi rather than contacting the CFO directly.

Commissioner Sisi Baloyi challenged Dhlamini’s attempts to distance himself from the CFO, pointing to the specific language used in seized communications:

Dhlamini: "I don’t have any dealings with the CFO."

Baloyi: "You have dealings with the CFO through Sergeant Nkosi. You keep saying, 'Tell Mfowethu this' or 'Give this to Mfowethu,' and you have agreed that 'Mfowethu' is the CFO—unless you want to change that part of your evidence."

Dhlamini is currently accused of rigging tender awards during his tenure as Head of Internal Affairs. Allegations suggest he operated in tandem with Mnisi, who has also previously testified before the commission. The inquiry into the TMPD’s procurement processes continues.