Hawks net ‘middleman’ cop: Sergeant faces charges for stash of illegal arms, grenade, and unsolved crime dockets

PRETORIA – In a dramatic twist to the Madlanga Commission investigations into police corruption, suspended Gauteng Organised Crime Unit Sergeant Fannie Nkosi has been arrested and charged with a litany of serious offenses following Hawks raid on his residence.

The arrest, which occurred on April 2, has sent shockwaves through law enforcement circles, directly linking commission testimony to tangible criminal evidence.

Nkosi, who testified before the commission just last month and denied allegations of being a cartel middleman, now faces charges related to the improper storage of seven licensed firearms, possession of 490 rounds of unlicensed ammunition, a live hand grenade, and six sensitive police dockets detailing unsolved violent crimes.

These dockets are reported to involve cash-in-transit (CIT) heists and carjackings.

“The evidence speaks to a severe breach of trust and procedure,” said SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.

“We found a .38 special revolver concealed inside a mattress, an R5 rifle under a bed, and the dockets stored in a backroom. This is not the behavior of a responsible firearm owner or a dedicated officer.”

The state successfully argued for a postponement of the bail application to April 13 at the Pretoria North Magistrates Court, a move welcomed by SAPS leadership.

“This allows us time to further strengthen our case to oppose bail,” Mathe stated, underscoring the seriousness with which the National Prosecuting Authority is treating the matter.

Nkosi will remain in the hospital wing of Kgosi Mampuru II Central Prison until Monday’s hearing.

The courtroom proceedings were shrouded in further controversy as the magistrate denied applications from the media to film or broadcast the case.

The court ruled the requests were filed too late. This decision followed objections from Nkosi’s own legal team, who argued against media coverage.

In a startling claim reported by eNCA, Nkosi’s lawyer also revealed his client has refused food since his arrest, citing fears for his safety and distrust of the prison system.

The defense has signaled a vigorous fight, characterizing the proceedings as “flimsy” and asserting that Nkosi is being deliberately targeted.

His lawyer promised that in the bail application, Nkosi would “demonstrate” this alleged targeting.

However, the Hawks’ evidence, directly tying the seized items to ongoing commission investigations into cartel infiltration of the police, presents a formidable challenge.

This case now stands at a critical juncture, testing both the findings of the judicial commission and the resolve of anti-corruption units within the South African Police Service.