Testimony heard at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inqiry has led to the suspension of a top Tshwane Metro Police Department official.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
The Tshwane Metro Police Department has suspended its deputy police commissioner Umashi Dhlamini following serious allegations levelled against him at the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
Organised Crime Unit officer Fannie Nkosi fingered Dhlamini in intervening with a dispute with a supplier.
Nkosi said he was only intervening due to City of Tshwane Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi’s frustration with a service provider threatening the municipality with legal action.
The commission heard evidence that Nkosi attempted to capture Dhlamini’s colleague, Mnisi.
Evidence presented to the commission shows that WhatsApp chats between Nkosi and Mnisi reveal that City of Tshwane ActionSA MMC for Corporate and Shared Services, Kholofelo Morodi, in December 2024, shared an address in Theresa Park with her, claiming he wanted her to address young women at an orphanage.
On Friday, Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya announced Morodi’s suspension pending an investigation following the claims that emerged at the commission.
“South Africans are all too familiar with political parties that are slow to act against allegations of impropriety or simply sweep them aside.
“ActionSA will never adopt that approach and, where any allegations surface, we will always act immediately to establish the full truth and mete out accountability where warranted,” the party said
It backed Moya’s decision to institute a full internal investigation to ensure that the highest standards of integrity are upheld among its public representatives, with all allegations fully scrutinised.
Following the revelations and in light of the serious allegations levelled against Dhlamini, he has requested to be placed on suspension with immediate effect.
TMPD Commissioner Yolande Faro has considered Dhlamini’s request and duly approved it. Dhlamini, who was responsible for support and administration, was suspended from Friday.
According to the municipality, Dhlamini’s name was mentioned in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where allegations relating to tender irregularities were raised.
“The suspension is intended to allow for a fair, thorough and uninterrupted investigation into the allegations.
“The suspension is part of a standard risk-management measure to safeguard the integrity of the investigative process.
“It does not constitute a disciplinary sanction or imply any finding of guilt,” the municipality stated.
During his testimony, Nkosi has revealed his involvement in the investigation into the murders of rapper Kiernan "AKA" and his friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane in Durban in February 2023.
Chief evidence leader at the commission, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC, asked Nkosi why he shared the video of the rapper’s murder with an individual identified as Mr Sibanda.
Nkosi is expected to return to give evidence on Monday.
loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za