He hasn’t eaten in six days’ Nkosi fears poisoning in jail
A suspended South African police sergeant at the center of a major corruption inquiry will remain behind bars until next week after his first court appearance on multiple charges, including theft and illegal possession of explosives.
Suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) Sergeant Fannie Nkosi appeared briefly in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where his bail application was postponed after state prosecutors said they needed more time to complete their investigations.
Nkosi, a detective formerly attached to the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, was arrested on April 2 following a search-and-seizure raid at his home in Pretoria North. He spent the Easter long weekend in police custody before his first court appearance on April 7.
Bail Postponed
The state told the court it was not in a position to proceed with Nkosi’s bail application, indicating that further investigation is required before the matter can continue. Prosecutors said they still need to examine case dockets allegedly found in Nkosi’s possession and complete testing on explosives seized during the operation.
The court granted the postponement to allow the state to verify information related to his bail application. The matter has been postponed to April 13, when Nkosi is expected to formally apply for bail.
Multiple Charges
According to anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee, the charges against Nkosi include possession of unlicensed ammunition, theft, and defeating the ends of justice. He also faces charges of failure to properly secure firearms and ammunition under the Firearms Control Act, as well as negligent handling of firearms and possession of a prohibited explosive.
During the raid at his home, police recovered 490 rounds of unlicensed ammunition and a state-issued hand grenade. Investigators also found several case dockets linked to different police stations, raising questions about how official police documents ended up in a private residence.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the search-and-seizure operation was conducted under a J51 warrant and formed part of ongoing investigations.
Fears for Safety in Custody
During court proceedings, Nkosi’s legal team raised concerns about his safety while in detention. His lawyers told the court that their client has not eaten for six days since his arrest due to fears of being poisoned in prison.
The court heard arguments about where Nkosi should be held pending his bail application. The State suggested Kgosi Mampuru Prison, while his legal team requested that he be kept in a hospital cell.
Media Denied Permission to Film Proceedings
The media has been denied permission to film and broadcast the court proceedings against Nkosi. The court refused to condone a late application by media houses for coverage of proceedings, despite prosecutors explaining that Nkosi was arrested the day before the Easter long weekend and the media could only bring its application on the morning of the hearing.
Links to Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
Nkosi’s arrest is closely tied to his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he spent several days giving evidence. The commission has been investigating corruption and alleged links between police officials and organized crime figures.
It is believed Nkosi acted as a middleman for high-ranking SAPS officials in their dealings with alleged cartel members Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Katiso “KT” Molefe. The commission has already resulted in 12 police officers being arrested and several City of Tshwane officials being suspended.
The commission previously heard that police searched Nkosi’s home in October 2025, where they allegedly found a credit card belonging to murder-accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. During that earlier search, R385,175 in cash was also seized.
Inconsistent Testimony Under Scrutiny
Nkosi has defended his conduct, including his failure to disclose that Matlala had requested the urgent return of the credit card ahead of meetings with senior officials. He previously stated that Matlala had given him the card for specific purchases, including items for a boat and jet ski.
However, evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC highlighted contradictions between Nkosi’s handwritten statement, typed submission and oral testimony. Nkosi attributed these discrepancies to human error.
Reactions from Experts and Civil Society
Criminal law expert Cornelia van Graan said SAPS’ swift response in searching and seizing items in the Nkosi matter was welcome, but expressed shock at what was recovered. “It indicates a lack of safeguards and proper procedures on the side of the police,” she said. “Further, a police sergeant is tasked with ensuring the safety of all people residing in South Africa and his actions in keeping firearms and even a hand grenade show a blatant disregard for life”.
University of Limpopo criminology head Witness Maluleka was more critical, saying Nkosi “mostly lied and fabricated non-existent realities” during his commission testimony, and “used the commission as a circus”.
AfriForum community safety spokesperson Jacques Broodryk said while it was disappointing that Nkosi was implicated, “it seems like justice is at least taking its course”.
Nkosi remains in custody in the hospital wing of Kgosi Mampuru Prison. He is expected back in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on April 13 for his bail application. The case is likely to attract continued attention as investigations proceed and the Madlanga Commission continues its work.
