Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi
PRETORIA - Suspended City of Tshwane CFO, Gareth Mnisi, said he has never received money from troubled police officer, Fannie Nkosi.
Mnisi has described their relationship as a close friendship spanning social outings, as well as business meetings.
He’s been testifying at the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria.
Mnisi has been implicated in tender rigging and procurement irregularities allegations.
He said because of the "ease" of their relationship, he was able to seek Nkosi's counsel.
"I also found him to be a caring individual. Looking back, I can say I regarded him as a brother. Always there for me was kind, was caring, was protective, sharing words of comfort when the same was needed. We also, of course, had some good times and fun, Chair, whether we went shooting, biking, or just socialising.
"Paragraph 21, as our friendship grew closer, we became familiar with each other, would occasionally share some work-related frustrations and challenges that we were experiencing. I believe it is natural for a friend to discuss these kinds of issues. Just to expand, it was not anything sensitive in any nature or form."
Despite their brotherhood and closeness, Mnisi said he never benefited from Nkosi, directly or indirectly.
"I further confirm that I have not received any payment or benefit from a third party from Sergeant Nkosi. I do, however, wish to state that on a few occasions, Sergeant Nkosi accompanied me to meetings or gatherings in instances where I might have felt unsafe or vulnerable purely as a friend. I never perceived this or understood him accompanying me as a benefit of any sort for either of us."