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🇿🇦 South Africa /Crime & Justice

Tshwane Metro tender favouritism and unpaid security services

From Mail & Guardian · (4m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Suspended Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini is under scrutiny for allegedly favoring Ngaphesheya security services in tender processes.
  • Dhlamini is accused of sending multiple tender documents to Sergeant Fannie Nkosi's brother, Bheki Nkosi, who owns Ngaphesheya, raising concerns about favoritism.
  • Despite denials, evidence including WhatsApp messages and irregularities in Ngaphesheya's licensing and qualifications cast doubt on the integrity of the R59 million security contract awarded.

The Mail & Guardian continues its rigorous investigation into tender irregularities within the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), with suspended deputy chief Umashi Dhlamini now at the center of allegations concerning the awarding of a significant R59 million security contract.

What is going on here? Why are you sending these documents to Sergeant Nkosi?

— Advocate Matthew ChaskalsonCommissioner Chaskalson questioning Dhlamini about sending tender documents to Nkosi.

The Madlanga commission's inquiry has brought to light a pattern of alleged favoritism towards Ngaphesheya security services, a company linked to Sergeant Fannie Nkosi's brother, Bheki Nkosi. Dhlamini's actions, including forwarding sensitive tender documents during the application and evaluation phases, have raised serious questions about impartiality and adherence to procurement protocols.

As I indicated, I received this information from Sergeant Nkosi to check. I then checked with Nico Mathobela, who forwarded screenshots to show he had these documents on his desk and that he had dealt with these matters.

— Umashi DhlaminiDhlamini explaining his actions in forwarding documents, attributing them to a routine check via a consultant.

Dhlamini's defense, which centers on a close friendship with Nkosi and the involvement of a tender consultant, Nico Mathobela, appears insufficient in the face of evidence presented. The commission highlighted critical issues with Ngaphesheya's submission, such as lacking proper certification and a valid firearm license, especially when the company reportedly only obtained its security license months after the tender closed.

Is this a tender for a Mpumalanga municipality that Ngaphesheya is bidding for? What does this have to do with you?

— Advocate Matthew ChaskalsonChaskalson questioning Dhlamini's involvement in Ngaphesheya securing a contract in Mpumalanga.

This case underscores a worrying trend of potential corruption and mismanagement within public service. Our reporting aims to hold those in power accountable and ensure that public funds are utilized transparently and ethically. The citizens of Tshwane deserve security services that are procured through fair and legitimate processes, not through backroom deals and questionable relationships.

I did not play any role, I was relaying the information as I received it.

— Umashi DhlaminiDhlamini denying direct involvement in the Mpumalanga contract.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Mail & Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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