More than R50,000 was discovered hidden beneath a mattress at the home of Sergeant Fannie Ezekiel Nkosi during a police raid in Pretoria North last week, a court heard on Tuesday.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
The Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court heard that a raid at Sergeant Fannie Nkosi’s home last week uncovered more than R50,000 hidden beneath a mattress, among other items.
The court heard this on Tuesday, when Nkosi made his first appearance following his arrest last week.
Nkosi, 42, was arrested on Thursday after police conducted a raid at his home in Pretoria North.
He spent the long weekend behind bars.
Nkosi, who is under suspension, is attached to the Anti- Gang Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed Nkosi faces charges of unlawful possession of explosives, three counts of failure to safeguard firearms, eight counts of failure to safeguard ammunition, defeating the administration of justice, failure to mount a stand up safe as per the SABS 953-1/2 and theft.
“It is alleged that the Task Team emanating from the Madlanga Commission received a tip off regarding the unlawful ammunition at the accused’s place of residence,” said NPA regional spokesperson Gauteng Division, Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana
She said thereafter, on April 2, 2026 the task team executed a search warrant at Nkosi’s place of residence.
“Upon the execution of the search warrant, the police found firearms, ammunition, a stun grenade, South African Police Service police dockets and state issued items were discovered at various locations within his premises.”
“During the search a substantial amount of cash of more than R50 000 was concealed beneath a mattress,” Mahanjana said.
She said Nkosi failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the money.
“Following the search, the accused was arrested and remanded in custody.
“The court granted an application by the State to postpone the matter for bail investigations.”
She said the matter has been postponed to April 13, 2026 for bail proceedings.
“The State intends to oppose the release of the accused on bail,” Mahanjana added.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe previously said the operation formed part of ongoing investigations.
“The SAPS can confirm that we have successfully executed a search and seizure operation (J51) in Pretoria North today (Thursday),” Mathe said.
Nkosi has been implicated in proceedings at the Madlanga Commission.
The commission previously heard that police searched Nkosi’s home on October 8, 2025, where they allegedly found a credit card belonging to murder-accused business tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Nkosi has defended his actions, including his failure to disclose that Matlala urgently wanted the card returned ahead of scheduled meetings with senior officials.
He was questioned earlier this week over inconsistencies in his testimony.
Nkosi previously said Matlala had given him the card for specific purchases, including items for a boat and jet ski.
However, evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC highlighted contradictions between Nkosi’s handwritten statement, typed submission and oral testimony.
These discrepancies included when and how Nkosi came into possession of the card, as well as where it was found. Nkosi attributed the inconsistencies to human error.
The commission also heard that R385,175 in cash was seized during the October 2025 search.
Nkosi said R5,175 belonged to him, while R380,000 belonged to his brother, Abednigo Bongani Nkosi, from the sale of a truck.
Chaskalson questioned the legitimacy of the sale agreement, suggesting it appeared to have been hastily compiled to justify the funds.
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