By Johnathan
Suspended Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini came under intense scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, with both the evidence leader and commissioners questioning the credibility of his explanation for a controversial WhatsApp message linking suspended Organised Crime Sergeant Fannie Nkosi and City of Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi.
Proceedings resumed after lunch on Tuesday, where the commission heard that Dhlamini had commented on a photo and video showing Nkosi and Mnisi at the funeral of former deputy president David Mabuza
In the WhatsApp message, evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson questioned Dhlamini on the comments which seemed to suggest a celebration.
“Morning Captain. I can see ukuthi you have captured uMfowethu and he wouldn’t want you to leave him. You should gear yourself to do so for ever my brother. Umfowethu is the best person to be with. uJuda wethu who will do great things for us compared to uBaba wakho ongasekho,” the message read.
Chaskalson asked Dhlamini on the meaning of the word “captured”, but he maintained no malicious intent behind them.
“I was referring to the attention which I think he has taken. The attention of the CFO and he wouldn’t want to be far from him,” Dhlamini said.
But Chaskalson rejected that explanation, putting a far more serious interpretation to him.
“What I want to put to you is that the capture of the CFO was a process that was designed to put the CFO in a position to do great things for you,” he said.
Commissioner Sesi Baloyi was equally unconvinced, repeatedly challenging Dhlamini to justify how a simple video of two men walking together could support such a loaded conclusion.
“To me, that clip depicts people at a funeral. Your message says more than just looking at people. You say you have captured Ufowethu What are you talking about? Do you happen to know how it is they are walking next to each other? For you to say, you have captured him, it means you know something. What do you know?” she asked.
But Dhlamini insisted that he merely meant to express happiness at them being together.
Baloyi then turned to the phrase “uJuda wethu will do great things for us”, asking the deputy chief who the “us” referred to.
Dhlamini said that “us” referred to Nkosi, whom he described as “like a brother”, and that the “great things” were not material.
“Great things comes in many forms, looking after someone’s welfare, giving advice, taking interest into a particular person’s welfare,” he said.
The commission also examined Dhlamini’s broader interactions with Nkosi, including claims that Nkosi routinely sent him applications from individuals seeking trainee positions within the TMPD.
Dhlamini said that such requests were common and denied any improper influence, saying he would only advise that candidates follow formal recruitment processes.
This included a request from Nkosi to assist the daughter of suspended Organised Crime head Major-General Richard Shibiri, which Dhlamini said he handled appropriately.
However, Chaskalson highlighted that Dhlamini’s own version placed him in proximity to internal employment processes, raising further concerns about the extent of his involvement and whether those interactions overlapped with the alleged tender-related communications under scrutiny.
The commission also heard the announcement by controversial businessman and political fixer Brown Mogotsi for a recusal application against Chaskalson, following lodging a complaint against the senior counsel.
Mogotsi’s legal team is expected to submit their formal application on Wednesday, with Chaskalson given a week to reply.
The commission will determine both the application and the continuation of Mogotsi’s testimony on 15 May.
Meanwhile, the commission will continue proceedings on Thursday, following confirmation that Suliman Carrim who was expected back on Wednesday, had submitted a medical certificate stating that he remains confined to bed.
The date of his return is yet to be determined.
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