Suspended SAPS Organised Crime Unit member, Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, has been denied bail in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court following his arrest earlier this month.
Nkosi was flagged as a person of interest in the first interim report of the Madlanga Commission and was taken into custody after a raid at his home on 2 April 2026.
Unlawful possession of ammunition
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), a task team linked to the commission acted on information regarding the unlawful possession of ammunition at Nkosi’s residence. During the search, officers allegedly uncovered firearms, ammunition, a stun grenade, South African Police Service (SAPS) dockets and other state-issued items at various locations on the property.
Police also discovered more than R50 000 in cash hidden beneath a mattress.
Nkosi was reportedly unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the money.
He now faces a string of serious charges, including unlawful possession of explosives, multiple counts of failing to safeguard firearms and ammunition, defeating the administration of justice, theft and money laundering.
Opposed bail
The State opposed bail, arguing that Fannie Nkosi poses a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations, particularly given his knowledge of police procedures.
The court agreed, finding that Nkosi had failed to demonstrate that his release would be in the interests of justice.
“We welcome the decision by the court to deny Sergeant Nkosi bail. This is the right step towards the direction of the criminal justice system. It proves our case; hence we opposed his bail application. The court also found that he failed to discharge to the court; to convince the court that it was in the interest of justice that he be granted bail. We opposed the bail application and told the court that Nkosi cannot be released on bail because he poses a danger to society, he’s a flight risk. The matter was postponed to the 21st of May for further investigations,” said NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
The case has been postponed to 21 May 2026 for further investigation.
