NPA SUCCESSFULLY OPPOSES SERGEANT NKOSI'S BAIL APPEAL

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the judgment of the Pretoria High Court, which upheld the decision of the Pretoria North Magistrates' Court to deny bail to Sergeant Fannie Ezekiel Nkosi (43).

The High Court found that the magistrate did not err in refusing bail and confirmed that the decision was properly made in the circumstances of the case.

Nkosi faces multiple charges, including 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 install and maintain a stand-up safe in accordance with SABS 953-1/2 standards; theft; and money laundering.

It is alleged that police officials attached to a task team established following the Madlanga Commission acted on information regarding the unlawful possession of ammunition at the accused's residence. On 02 April 2026, the task team executed a search warrant at Nkosi's home in Pretoria North.

During the search, police discovered firearms, ammunition, a stun grenade, South African Police Service (SAPS) dockets, and other state-issued items at various locations on the premises. A substantial amount of cash, exceeding R50 000, was also found concealed beneath a mattress. The accused was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the money.

Nkosi was subsequently arrested and denied bail by the Pretoria North Magistrates' Court on 22 April 2026.

In opposing the bail appeal, the State, represented by Advocates Mphahlele and Sekhonyana, argued that the magistrate had properly exercised her discretion when refusing bail. The State submitted that the magistrate had correctly considered several factors, including that Nkosi is a police officer with access to sensitive information and ongoing investigations, the seriousness of the offences, and the fact that he had access to substantial funds for which he could not provide a satisfactory explanation.

The State further contended that the magistrate had neither misdirected herself on the facts nor the law nor exercised her discretion improperly. Accordingly, there was no basis for the High Court to interfere with her decision.

Judge Mosopa agreed with the State's submissions and dismissed Nkosi's bail appeal.

The case against Nkosi will appear on16 July 2026 before the Pretoria North Magistrates' Court for centralisation his cases.

The NPA welcomes the judgment as a reaffirmation of the principle that all persons, regardless of their position, are subject to the law.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria