By Johnathan Paoli
Suspended Sedibeng District Commissioner brigadier Abraham Mbangwa Nkhwashu has denied allegations that he attempted to interfere in the bail process of murder-accused SAPS detective Pule Tau, rejecting claims that he solicited information on behalf of businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe.
Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday afternoon, Nkhwashu insisted that his interaction with Sergeant Bernard Tshukudu during a social stokvel gathering in 2024 had been misinterpreted and did not amount to any instruction or covert request.
He said that during discussions, Tshukudu and others mentioned they had gone to Nkhwashu’s office to escort suspects (including Tau) and it made him tell the officers of the conversation he had with murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe in which he had asked about bail for an unnamed friend.
“I said this as a general comment, not as a request for action. I did not know whether the suspect they mentioned was the friend Katiso had referred to and I did not assume any connection. I did not mention Katiso’s name. I did not ask Tshukudu to do anything,” Nkhwashu said.
Nkhwashu maintained he was later surprised to learn that Tshukudu had independently approached the investigating officer, Witness B, who previously testified before the commission.
“I never asked him to do so and I never asked him to convey any message, whether about opposing bail or about thanking her,” he said.
Witness B previously told the commission that Nkhwashu had pressured her into handing over information regarding the murder of Armand Swart in April 2024, for which Tau, along with Molefe, Musa Kekana and Floyd Mabusela had been arrested.
She claimed a “thank you” message relayed by Tshukudu allegedly on behalf of Nkhwashu shortly after Tau was granted bail felt like a veiled threat, particularly as it came days after she exposed false medical claims used to secure his release.
In his statement, Tshukudu claimed that Nkhwashu had said his “brother-in-law” wanted to know whether the state would oppose bail and was even will to pay it.
According to Tshukudu, he relayed this information to Witness B, who confirmed that bail would be opposed.
But, Nkhwashu disputed Tshukudu’s reliability, suggesting the informal setting may have distorted recollections.
“The conversation took place in what I described as a drinking space. I do not fully recall what may have been said,” he said.
Nkhwashu told the commission he was prepared to “discount” Tshukudu as the source of the information, adding that the sergeant was not part of the escort team operating in his jurisdiction.
However, evidence leader advocate Thabang Pooe suggested it was more likely that Nkhwashu had discussed the arrest in greater detail with Molefe and may have “told, asked, or even hinted” to Tshukudu to obtain information about the bail process.
Nkhwashu rejected this outright, adding that it would have been impossible for him to know the outcome or amount in advance.
“There was no way for me to know what bail amount would be set. I didn’t tell Tshukudu that Tau got bail,” he said.
Throughout his testimony, Nkhwashu repeatedly denied any improper conduct, saying he would rather have approached the magistrate or prosecutor.
“I do accept there are corrupt police officers who will use any means and ways to get it their way, but not an experienced cop like me doing it that way. That was too low for me,” he added.
The commission remained sceptical, with commissioner Sandile Khumalo observing that either Tshukudu or Nkhwashu was lying, while also questioning Nkhwashu’s claim that he would have recused himself had he known Molefe’s docket formed part of documents he had requested.
Nkhwashu eventually did concede that he may not have been “assertive enough” in shutting down the stokvel conversation, acknowledging that this could have allowed misunderstandings to arise.
But he maintained that any subsequent actions by Tshukudu were taken independently and without his knowledge or approval.
The commission heard that Omar Motors made regular monthly payments to Nkhwashu, including a R159,000 transaction, with Pooe noting that consistent payments continued into 2025.
Nkhwashu defended the transactions, saying they were linked to vehicle trade-ins, explaining that he had sold a BMW X5 to purchase another and had acquired three vehicles in total.
However, Pooe argued that investigators found evidence suggesting the payments were structured and consistent in value, indicating a possible pre-arranged monthly payment agreement.
Omar’s Motor Den has previously been linked to the Tembisa hospital scandal and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s former nephew by marriage Hlangwani Maumela.
The commission adjourned for the day, with proceedings to resume on Thursday morning.
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