Suspended Tshwane Chief Officer Gareth Mnisi has come under scrutiny during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, where inconsistencies in his testimony were highlighted.
Mnisi told the commission that he had ignored a request from suspended Organised Crime Unit member Fannie Nkosi to certify the compliance of seven companies forwarded to him. However, evidence presented before the inquiry suggests that Nkosi shared the list with Mnisi in an effort to influence the tender process.
Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged Mnisi’s version of events, suggesting that the two may have been cooperating despite Mnisi’s claims that he had no authority to verify compliance.
“I want to suggest to you that you were actually cooperating with Sergeant Nkosi, and when the names were given a second time, probably during the telephone calls, you had asked for the names again. And now he is giving you names so that there may be an award,” Madlanga said during questioning.
The chairperson further indicated that the information shared appeared to align with efforts to prioritise certain bidders in the procurement process.
The commission continues to examine allegations of irregular procurement practices and possible collusion involving senior officials.