TMPD Head Yolande Faro Denies Connection with Organised Crime Unit Member

Clarifying Authority Boundaries in Procurement Procedures

PRETORIA – Yolande Faro, the head of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), has firmly stated that she has no acquaintance with Fannie Nkosi, a member of the organised crime unit. Faro emphasized that Nkosi was never authorized to influence or intervene in any procurement activities within the TMPD.

Allegations Surrounding Tender Manipulation and Sensitive Information

Nkosi has come under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating discussions related to tenders and obtaining confidential documents from Kholofelo Morodi, a suspended official within the Tshwane municipality. These claims have raised concerns about the integrity of procurement processes within the department.

Testimony at the Madlanga Commission

During her testimony before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday, Faro categorically denied any prior interaction with Nkosi. She stated, “I don’t know Sergeant Nkosi. I never made contact with him. The first time I saw Sergeant Nkosi was on the Madlanga Commission. I want to state it categorically, he had no authority to interfere in any TMPD procurement-related matters.”

Addressing Potential Internal Interference

When questioned by co-commissioner Sandile Khumalo about the possibility of other individuals meddling in TMPD’s procurement processes, Faro assured that any such persons would be identified and appropriately dealt with to uphold the department’s integrity.

Context and Implications

This testimony comes amid growing concerns over corruption and mismanagement within municipal departments across South Africa. According to recent reports, over 30% of procurement contracts in various municipalities have faced allegations of irregularities, underscoring the urgent need for stringent oversight and transparent procedures.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Vetting and Oversight

Faro’s admission that the TMPD’s vetting process has shortcomings highlights the broader challenge of ensuring accountability within law enforcement agencies. Strengthening internal controls and enhancing transparency are critical steps to prevent future breaches and restore public trust.