Sergeant Fannie Nkosi (Witness F) testified at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday.
Image: Kamogelo Moichela / IOL News
Sergeant Fannie Nkosi (Witness F) said KZN police boss, Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, sent him a Tupac Shakur song titled “Last mother fucker Breathin” shortly after the arrest of Crime Intelligence head, Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo.
Nkosi told the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday that Mkhwanazi shared the song on the night of June 26, 2025, soon after Khumalo and other Crime Intelligence officers were arrested.
The commission heard the message followed a phone call between Nkosi and Mkhwanazi at about 22:30pm. Minutes later, the song was sent. At 22:40pm, Nkosi forwarded a screenshot of the exchange to Steve Motsumi.
Motsumi is businessman and taxi boss who is closely linked to Nkosi.
Evidence leader, Adv. Matthew Chaskalson, questioned the meaning of the message, suggesting it could reflect defiance during a critical moment in SAPS.
He put it to Nkosi that the song, which carries themes of being the “last man standing”, may indicate Mkhwanazi’s willingness to fight allegations of corruption and internal divisions within the police.
Nkosi agreed the song reflected that idea but rejected the interpretation that it carried a deeper message.
He told the commission the exchange was casual and based on a shared interest in Tupac’s music.
“He said, ‘I’m fine, I’m good, listen to what I’m listening to,’” Nkosi testified, adding that he had called Mkhwanazi to check on him after the arrests.
Nkosi said he sent the screenshot to Motsumi for a different reason.
Nkosi said he had a habit of playing Tupac music repeatedly, and the music irritated Motsumi. He said he shared the message to show that him Mkhwanazi was also listening to the same artist.
Chaskalson challenged this version, suggesting the communication formed part of broader discussions about tensions within SAPS leadership.
Nkosi denied this, maintaining there was no hidden meaning behind the message and that his account was truthful.
The proceedings continue.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics