Dhlamini denies he and Nkosi 'captured' suspended CFO Mnisi

Suspended Tshwane Metro Police Deputy Chief, Umashi Dhlamini, has denied allegations that the suspended Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gareth Mnisi, was captured as part of an alleged tender-rigging scheme.

The denial follows the revelation of a WhatsApp exchange between Dhlamini and an implicated officer, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, in which the two appeared to congratulate one another for securing influence over the CFO.

The three men stand accused of manipulating municipal tender awards by directing them toward preferred bidders.

The controversy stems from events on July 12, 2025, when Mnisi and Nkosi attended the funeral of the late Deputy President, DD Mabuza. During the service, Nkosi sent Dhlamini a video featuring himself and Mnisi.

Dhlamini responded to the clip with a message stating, “I can see you have captured umfowethu,” referring to the CFO. He further commented that Mnisi “will do great things for us.”

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When questioned by Co-Commissioner Sesi Baloyi regarding the nature of these "great things," Dhlamini maintained that the comments were benign.

“I indicated, Commissioner, that ‘great things’ do not refer to material things. It refers to taking care of someone, being concerned about the well-being of a person,” Dhlamini testified.

Commissioner Baloyi challenged this explanation, stating, “You are not being honest about the content of this.”

Evidence presented before the Commission suggests a more transactional relationship. WhatsApp records show that on two separate occasions, Dhlamini sent lists of companies bidding for municipal tenders to Nkosi.

The state alleges these lists were intended for Mnisi, who serves as the Chairperson of the City’s Bid Adjudication Committee, the body responsible for finalising lucrative government contracts.