Fake orders and missing evidence: Sgt Fannie Nkosi faces fresh charges ahead of Thohoyandou court appearance

Suspended sergeant to appear in Thohoyandou as probe widens

Suspended South African Police Service (SAPS) Sgt Fannie Nkosi is expected to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court after investigators added fresh charges related to the removal of a police docket and seized dagga from a Limpopo police station.

New charges and the allegations

Investigators with the Madlanga Commission’s Recommendations Investigative Task Team have added charges of defeating and obstructing the course of justice against Nkosi. Police say the matter dates back to 10 November 2022, when a suspect was arrested with dagga, unlicensed firearms and explosives.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, Nkosi allegedly arrived at the Thohoyandou police station claiming to have been sent by SAPS Head Office and removed the original case docket. Mathe says Nkosi later returned, identified himself as a colonel from Head Office, and removed confiscated dagga from police custody.

“A few months later, he allegedly returned to Thohoyandou, identified himself as a Colonel from Head Office, and removed the confiscated dagga from police custody,” said Mathe.

Mathe further said Nkosi booked the exhibit into evidence at Head Office, but investigators discovered that one of the exhibit bags containing dagga had been tampered with. These revelations have prompted a fresh criminal investigation, police said.

Ongoing legal troubles and context

The developments add to the legal troubles of the 43-year-old officer. Last month, the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court denied Nkosi bail after Magistrate Thandi Theledi found he had not shown he would not interfere with witnesses, evade prosecution or jeopardise ongoing investigations.

Evidence presented to the Madlanga Commission has also connected Nkosi to work with alleged criminals and cartel members using SAPS resources, according to the investigation team.

What happens next

Nkosi is scheduled to appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court. Police say the new charges and the findings about the tampered exhibit are part of an ongoing criminal investigation into his conduct within the service.

Key facts

• Case date: 10 November 2022 (arrest of suspect with dagga, unlicensed firearms and explosives)
• New charges: Defeating and obstructing the course of justice
• Court appearance: Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court
• Previous bail ruling: Bail denied by Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court last month