Brigadier Nkwashu was promoted through various ranks from 2000 to 2018 and held positions in vehicle crime investigation and as a station commander.
“when I was promoted, ja, 2002 when I was promoted to be a Captain...then in 2005, to be a Superintendent...then I was again promoted to Senior Superintendent...moved to Vereeniging Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit as a Commander...in 2012 I was working as a Detective Head and as, with the rank of Colonel...appointed as a Station Commander...promoted to the rank of Brigadier...Station Commander at Atteridgeville SAPS”
Between 2018 and 2022 Brigadier Nkwashu was appointed District Commissioner temporarily and from 2022 he was transferred to Vereeniging as Deputy District Commissioner where he is currently serving.
“between 2018 and 2022, wherein between I was appointed...to be District Commissioner a few occasions. From 2022, I was then transferred to Vereeniging...and appointed as Deputy District Commissioner and, which is where I am currently serving.”
UNATTRIBUTEDDay 95 · 22 Apr 2026Refers to: 2018-2022Location: Vereeniging, Sedibeng district
Brigadier Nkwashu gave an affidavit voluntarily in response to summons to appear at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry regarding allegations of interference in the bail proceedings of Michael Pule Tau, demand for the Armand Swart murder docket, and relationship with Katiso Molefe.
“I make this affidavit voluntarily in response to the summons/subpoena...directing me to appear... in relation to my attempts to interfere the bail proceedings of Michael Pule Tau. The second one was my demand for the Armand Swart murder docket, and my relationship or connection with Katiso Molefe...”
Brigadier Nkwashu states his actions regarding demand for Armand Swart docket were pursuant to lawful instruction from the Provincial Commissioner and he denies any improper conduct.
“I will...show that my actions were pursuant to lawful instruction from the Provincial Commissioner...There was no improper conduct on my part.”
Brigadier Nkwashu explains that Fundiswa Nyangule is the customary wife of Katiso Molefe and that Fundiswa became like a babysister to him due to family ties and customs.
“I will then first explain my first relationship with Fundiswa Nyangule, the customary wife of Katiso Molefe...all my subsequent interactions with Katiso, including the events that gave rise to the allegation of bail interference, flow directly from that family bond that I had with Fundiswa...Fundiswa became like a baby sister to me.”
Brigadier Nkwashu details how Fundiswa became part of his family through a relationship with his wife's younger brother Sazi, who paid lobola for Fundiswa and lived close to their family.
“My wife had a younger brother named Sazi...Sazi lived with my wife and myself...During that time, he met Fundiswa...They developed a romantic relationship...Sazi found work at the Police...and he managed to buy his own house, and thereafter...he paid lobola for Fundiswa. They lived in a house close to ours, and spent much time with our family over the years. Fundiswa became like a baby sister to me.”
The lobola negotiations involved other family members beyond just Brigadier Nkwashu and his wife’s family unit, including an uncle who does not stay with them.
“There is an uncle who is not staying with us...there were others.”
Brigadier Nkwashu states he acted on instructions from the Provincial Commissioner to collect all case dockets with J50 warrants and submit them to Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Mbuso Khumalo.
“I was acting on instruction from the Provincial Commissioner to collect all case dockets that had J50 warrants of arrest and to submit them to the Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Detective Services, Major General Mbuso Khumalo.”
Brigadier Nkwashu coordinated obtaining dockets from Detective Commanders after receiving instructions, except for two dockets one of which was with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
“I received all the dockets but two. I thereafter enquired about the dockets. Immediately thereafter, I received a call from Witness B ... stating that she was not able to provide me with one of the dockets as she did not have the docket with her as that docket was taken by the DPP.”
In February 2025, while still on leave, Brigadier Nkwashu's sister Fundiswa Nyangule contacted him to inform that she was coming to Gauteng to visit her husband Katiso Molefe in prison and asked for a lift from the airport.
“In February 2025, while I was still on leave, my sister, Fundiswa Nyangule, who... contacted me. She informed me that she was coming to Gauteng to visit her husband in prison... She asked if I could fetch her from the airport because she was coming from Durban... I agreed and I went to the airport and picked her up. We drove together to Groenpunt Prison.”
Brigadier Nkwashu complied with all prison security checks during the visit and did not use his rank to gain improper access to Katiso Molefe.
“I was not given any preferential treatment. I waited my turn. I complied with the security checks. I wish to state clearly and unequivocally that... I did not use my rank to gain improper access. I was there primarily to drive my sister, who was a local visitor.”
Brigadier Nkwashu has been to the White House (Northcliff Hotel) several times, which has been described as a hub for corrupt activities involving senior SAPS officials, politicians, and organised crime figures.
“I wish to inform the Commission that I have been to the White House on several occasions. The White House is a private property... described as a hub for corrupt activities involving senior SAPS officials, politicians and organised crime figures.”
Social gatherings at the White House were arranged by colleagues, notably Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri, and involved mostly police officers with occasional civilians such as the hotel owner.
“The gatherings at the White House were ordinarily arranged by our colleagues or our colleague, Maj-Gen Richard Shibiri... it was ordinarily to bring camaraderie... to foster those working relationships and to de-stress after work with officers from different units... from time to time ... some of the civilians, in the likes of the owner of the Boutique Hotel...”
General Richard Shibiri was responsible for inviting police officers to the social gatherings at the White House, and attendees did not know how other police officers were invited.
“All I know is that General Shibiri was the one who was inviting me and General Mthombeni... I have never known how they got invited and by whom.”
The social gatherings at the White House were not secret, involved many officers, and no discussions took place that could compromise justice.
“The gatherings were not secret... Many officers attended and we held general discussions. There was no discussion of ongoing criminal investigation in a manner that could compromise the administration of justice. At least not in my presence...”
Investigating officer Witness B may have attended some of the social gatherings at the White House.
“Investigating officer, Witness B, may have attended some of these social gatherings because I started getting to know it from this Commission when General Shibiri was testifying and when Witness B was also testifying.”
Investigating officers have exclusive control over their docket, and complaints against police investigation progress may be lodged and escalated within the police command structure.
“The investigating officers signed for the docket... From that moment, the IO becomes the sole custodian and possessor of that particular docket... The docket is under the IO's exclusive control... The complaint will then be registered with the commander at the CSC and then the complaint file will then be booked to a commission officer to investigate the complaint against the police... The commander may call the IO to account and may escalate the matter to a higher level if necessary. Complaints can be escalated to the District Commissioners, the Provincial...”
The docket for the incident involving J50 warrant was created on the day of the incident in Sedibeng and was transferred to the organised crime unit the same day with authorization from Brigadier Nkwashu.
“I authorised it on the very same day . But I cannot confirm whether the capturing on the system was done the same day. It could have been done the following day or time after . But the authority that the docket could be transferred to the provincial office organised crime was given the same day.”
BRIGADIER NKWASHUDay 95 · 22 Apr 2026Refers to: April 2025Location: Sedibeng District
The Ford Raptor vehicle registered in Brigadier Nkwashu's name was driven by Fundiswa, Katiso's girlfriend, on 5 March 2025 outside the Vereeniging Magistrate Court and was lawfully acquired from Nkwashu's eldest daughter who paid for it through Nkwashu, the registered owner.
“The Ford Raptor vehicle was indeed my private vehicle that was driven by Fundiswa on that day . And I purchased this particular vehicle lawfully from my eldest daughter , who was paying for it through me , since I am the registered owner of this particular vehicle.”
BRIGADIER NKWASHUDay 95 · 22 Apr 2026Refers to: 5 March 2025Location: Vereeniging Magistrate Court
Brigadier Nkwashu was not driving the Ford Raptor vehicle on 5 March 2025 and was not present at the court in Vereeniging that day, and he had lent the vehicle to Fundiswa because she was afraid of being followed and could not use her own car safely.
“I was not driving the vehicle on the 5th of March . I was not present at the court either in Vereeniging on that day . I borrowed this particular vehicle to Fundiswa , who is my sister . She came to Gauteng to visit her husband in prison . She explained to me that she suspected people following her and she was afraid to use her car because it is known .”
BRIGADIER NKWASHUDay 95 · 22 Apr 2026Refers to: 5 March 2025Location: Vereeniging
Brigadier Nkwashu disclosed openly to prison officials on 9 December 2024 who he is and disclosed the relationship with Mr Molefe, but Mr Molefe later denied knowing Nkwashu as a relative when interviewed by the prison head Mr Nkoli on 10 December 2024.
“On paragraph 30 : " I alluded to the fact that the Commission has evidence from the prison head, Mr Nkoli , that on 10 December 2024 , the day after my first visit in Groenpunt , he interviewed Mr Molefe and asked him whether he was related to me or not . According to Mr Nkoli , Mr Molefe said he was not my brother-in-law and did not know me as a relative ." ... I disclosed openly to the prison officials on the 9th of December who am I . And I disclosed it in my main statement .”
Two days after Sazi Khuboni's death in 2000, Ms Nyangule's mother also passed away, but some siblings of Fundiswa were still alive then.
“Mr Khuboni passes away in the year 2000 ... two days later, Ms Nyangule's mother also passes away ... there were still siblings of Fundiswa to my recollection ... I think there were two who were still alive”
Brigadier Nkwashu confirms that Ms Nyangule's wife side had other siblings, including a younger sister and a younger brother who was younger than Sazi.
“there were other siblings who were the younger brother ... there is a younger sister of my wife and a younger brother of my wife who was younger than Sazi”
In 2005, Fundiswa told Brigadier Nkwashu that she met a man who wanted to marry her and they interviewed her about this.
“during 2005, Fundiswa came to us to come and tell us that ... she met a guy, this guy wanted to marry her ... we sat down and interviewed her ... in 2005”
Brigadier Nkwashu questioned Fundiswa about the background of the man she wanted to marry, and learned he was married, leading to his disapproval of the marriage.
“we came to a question of having to tell her the background of this particular guy ... she said yes ... this guy is a married man ... I get to differ with her on her intentions to marry this guy because of his marriage status”
Brigadier Nkwashu says his relationship with Fundiswa was dented and meetings ended in 2005 due to disagreements, but he tried to convince his wife otherwise.
“in the absence of perhaps a suitable word, it was dented ... we did not finish the meeting with me on that day because we were not agreeing in terms ... i abandoned the meeting with the sole intention of convincing my wife ... no, I do not go with that, not unless I am convinced otherwise”
Between 2014 and 2024, Brigadier Nkwashu and Fundiswa were talking over the phone infrequently, about three to four times in total, with a strained relationship post 2014.
“from 2014 we were just talking over the phone with Fundiswa ... I never actually met her ... over that entire period ... it was maybe not even four times ... three to four calls”
Brigadier Nkwashu was initially not convinced but started to give a man a benefit of doubt regarding his character and personal situation including being in the process of a divorce.
“B u t s t i l l , I w a s n o t c o n v i n c e d , b u t a l i t t l e b i t c o n v i n c e d t o t h i n k t h a t m a y b e h e i s t r y i n g t o q u a l i f y t h a t h e i s a g o o d m a n f o r m y s i s t e r . B e c a u s e h e e v e n t o l d m e t h a t h e i s i n t h e p r o c e s s o f a d i v o r c e”
Brigadier Nkwashu was starting to like the man and was open about the idea of running a security company and retiring towards that direction.
“Y e s , I m u s t b e h o n e s t . I a m s t a r t i n g t o l i k e t h e m a n a n d o p e n u p n o w . A h , t h i s i s a g o o d i d e a t o k n o w o u r p l a n s w e l l , y o u k n o w . I g o t a n e x p e r i e n c e w h e r e I c a n r u n s e c u r i t y a n d I w i l l s t a r t r e g i s t e r i n g s e c u r i t y c o m p a n y . A n d I t h i n k I w i l l b e p e n s i o n i n g t o w a r d s t h e r i g h t d i r e c t i o n”
Brigadier Nkwashu described a friend who was arrested and was seeking bail, and said he stopped the man on his tracks before details were disclosed, refusing to discuss work cases even with his wife.
“O n e o f t h o s e f r i e n d s t h a t I w a s t a l k i n g a b o u t e a r l i e r o n i s a r r e s t e d a n d I h e a r h e i s a r r e s t e d b y y o u . A n d h e i s s e e k i n g b a i l a n d I s a i d o h , s w a e r , w a i t , w a i t , w a i t , m y b r o t h e r . Th a t i s w h e n I s t a r t e d - I s t o p p e d h i m o n h i s t r a c k s t o t e l l m e t h e d e t a i l s . B e f o r e h e e v e n t e l l s m e w h o t h i s f r i e n d i s , t h e n I s t a r t e d c h a n g i n g t o s a y , I d o n o t d i s c u s s w o r k c a s e s . A n d I n o t e v e n d i s c u s s w o r k w i t h m y w i f e”
Brigadier Nkwashu refused to discuss work related matters even with his wife, emphasizing respect and maintaining boundaries; he stated that discussing work might risk his job and that his work is off-limits for discussion.
“S o , i f y o u w a n t m e a n d y o u t o h a v e a s o u n d r e l a t i o n s h i p , s w a e r , l e t u s n o t t a l k a b o u t m y w o r k b e c a u s e i f w e s t a r t t a l k i n g a b o u t m y w o r k n o w , I a m d o i n g s o m e t h i n g t h a t I w i l l l o s e m y w o r k . I d o n o t t a l k a b o u t m y w o r k . L e t u s r e s p e c t o n e a n o t h e r f o r t h a t .”
Brigadier Nkwashu interpreted a conversation with the man as an attempt to entice him with a business offer so as to prompt a favour related to a detained friend.
“I t c a m e a c r o s s m y m i n d t h a t , n o , I T h i n k e v e n t h i s t h i n g o f t h e b u s i n e s s , h e w a s j u s t t r y i n g t o e n t i c e m e s o t h a t w h e n w e c o m e t o t h e i s s u e o f t h e f r i e n d s h i p , h e i s o f f e r i n g m e , a n d I w i l l p e r h a p s a l s o d o h i m a f a v o u r .”
Brigadier Nkwashu acknowledges that keeping grudges over a long time does not assist him and that he cannot dispose of or wish away a person like Fundiswa, emphasizing persons are not disposable.
“I am the elder in my family. And as I grow and mature, I realise that keeping grudges for that long is not really assisting me, even myself. And, however, Commissioner, you will know that there is no dustbin for people. And you do not choose to be in the family or in a family relationship. And I cannot dispose, even if I might not have forgiven, but I cannot wish her away. I cannot dispose of a person. Persons are not disposable.”
Brigadier Nkwashu admits that he has not spoken with Fundiswa many times since 2005 and does not have the dates of those interactions.
“Since 2005, I have submitted that I have not spoken to Fundiswa many times. However, Commissioner, I have also submitted that I just do not have the dates with me.”
Brigadier Nkwashu felt uncomfortable after meeting Mr Molefe in June 2024 and believed the meeting was orchestrated specifically for Mr Molefe to discuss a request he made at the end of the meeting, involving using potential work opportunities to entice him.
“You were uncomfortable. And in fact, you say you had the sense that the meeting was orchestrated specifically for him to talk about that request that he made at the end. And in particular that he was using the work opportunities, potential work opportunities, as a way of enticing you.”
Brigadier Nkwashu conveyed to Ms Nyangule his discomfort about the request after the stokvel meeting in July 2024.
“You testified that when asked, did you convey this to Ms Nyangule, you said that you did express it, but you expressed it after the stokvel. The stokvel would have been in July 2024.”
Brigadier Nkwashu did not meet Mr Molefe only once before his arrest but recalls about three interactions with him prior to arrest, including meetings, but no telephone conversations.
“What I can recall, Commissioner, is that I met him, I think, perhaps I can recall of three times that I have met him. ... That is before he was arrested. ... No [telephone communications].”
Brigadier Nkwashu and Fundiswa also met with Katiso at Fundiswa's house in Fourways before Katiso's arrest; during which Brigadier Nkwashu conveyed to Fundiswa concerns about being sold out when she asked why he was asked to meet Fundiswa's husband.
“After that meeting where we parted ways, after I said I do not discuss work cases, I believe we have met with Katiso before his arrest. And that could not be correct that I met him once. ... We met at their house in Fourways, which is Fundiswa's house. And also in that weekend, Fundiswa visited with his nephew, and then we met, we sit and dine, and then I asked Fundiswa separately ...”
Brigadier Nkwashu states that Katiso assured him it would not be possible to put him under the bus or to sell him out and that he had missed Fundiswa for quite some time and continued to take care of her needs.
“No, no, no, that cannot be the case. I would not have wanted you to meet my husband, and at the same time set you under the bus, me and you having missed each other for so long. ... I do not believe I did not know what you say you discussed with Katiso. ... I will say, yes, I forgive.”
Mr Molefe, who is linked by friendship to an accused police officer charged with a serious crime, had discussions with Brigadier Nkwashu about a bail issue and a security job.
“a man who is linked, even if it is just by friendship, is linked to someone who is accused of serious crime... and you have your suspicions about this attempt to, his discussion with you about a security job.”
Brigadier Nkwashu initially thought the security job offer from Katiso was a genuine attempt to close matters, but had suspicions it might be a lure.
“by him wanting to pursue me to carry on with the deal of these security, he was trying to be a good man and trying to close... But I never suspected that this is a luring, although it crossed my mind.”
Brigadier Nkwashu learned of Katiso's arrest from Ms Nyangule but was not told the charges initially; eventually he was told Katiso was charged with conspiracy to murder related to Pule Tau's murder.
“When she was telling me that Katiso is arrested... I did not know what he was charged with... your brother-in-law was arrested, he is being charged for conspiracy to murder... This one of Pule Tau.”
Brigadier Nkwashu had suspicions about Mr Molefe's intentions and was told Mr Molefe was charged with conspiracy to murder in relation to the matter he wanted intervention in.
“you know, you have had suspicions of Mr Molefe's intention... he is charged in the same matter he wanted you to intervene in.”
Brigadier Nkwashu did not initially believe Mr Molefe when Mr Molefe told him he was not involved in the conspiracy to murder and that it was a false allegation.
“I am not involved in this matter, it is just a false allegation, do not worry, I will overcome this... No, I never believed him. I will not be believing him anymore this time.”
Brigadier Nkwashu wanted to see Katiso in person to know for himself what he was arrested for and insist on the truth about the charges.
“I wanted Katiso himself to tell me in my eyes, what is he arrested for... I wanted to go look at him in the eyes, and he told me that I did not... He still denied.”
Brigadier Nkwashu could have been influenced by Fundiswa, who guaranteed that the security job negotiation was not a lure.
“And Fundiswa, do you see where you put me? Now, she was saying the same thing... I was overclouded with anger, to say, I want him to tell me in my eyes... and he denied it until the last visit.”
Affidavits related to certain events were deposed in January 2025, about a month after the events of December 9, 2024, making their accounts likely more accurate due to recency.
“their affidavits were done four weeks after these events... their account of events is more accurate than yours”
Brigadier Nkwashu asserts Mr Molefe is a liar who cannot tell the truth and lies to his face, and prefers to believe official statements rather than Mr Molefe's.
“Mr Molefe is, according to me, a liar. He cannot tell the truth. And he lied to me in my eyes.”
Mr Molefe may have regarded his relationship with Brigadier Nkwashu as merely a business relationship rather than a familial one, and wanted to use him for purposes related to bail and security matters.
“maybe after all, he had no interest and he never considered you or perceived you as his family and brother-in-law, but in fact as a person that would be useful to him for purposes that we have seen... to help out with the bail issue”
Brigadier Nkwashu received consistent monthly payments in 2025 as part payment for three vehicles he bought by trading in his old vehicles at a dealership.
“I have sold my X5 vehicle to buy another X5 in that dealership. And on the other amount that you see, actually I bought in totality three vehicles in that dealership. So, the monies that you see is for the vehicles that I have sold them ... the money for the trade-ins is being paid to my account every month.”
Brigadier Nkwashu prefers monthly payments for trade-ins instead of lump sum payments to avoid losing money through finance interest, and benefits from charging interest to the dealership on the monthly basis.
“Yes, my understanding is that if you pay on a monthly basis to the account, you are not, when you pay the lumpsum to the finance, you are not, you are losing because they are charging you interest. So, when you get a monthly payment from the dealership, you are also benefiting because you are charging them also the interest.”
The monthly payments were made by agreement with the dealership though it is not a regular practice for the dealership to pay trade-in amounts monthly.
“And one thing that we cannot e is in discussions with the dealership, it was mentioned that this was your agreement. You insisted on monthly payments. This is not something that they regularly do. Do you have a comment on that? ... I agree, yes.”
The values paid for the vehicles as trade-ins correspond exactly to the declared values to SAPS and to the amounts stated in the spreadsheet under scrutiny.
“And just lastly, if we are to check the values that are being paid for these cars as against the values that you have also declared to SAPS, it would be the same? It would be the same, Advocate.”
Brigadier Nkwashu apologized to the family of Armand Swart for the loss of life caused by his brother-in-law and stated the brother-in-law must pay for his deeds.
“I would like to apologise, especially to the family of Armand Swart, whose life has been lost at the hands of this brother-in-law of mine. And say, at least I have tried to do justice, and I will continue to ensure that justice is achieved. If indeed he was involved in the matter of Armand Swart, he needs to pay for his deeds.”
Brigadier Nkwashu apologised to the community for his conduct involving collusion with a person named Katiso whom he did not know well and stated he will no longer engage with Katiso.
“I would like to apologise to the entire community that is watching this embarrassment that is caused by my conduct, by colluding with this Katiso, although I did not know he is this type of a person. And I really feel betrayed and I am definitely, definitely not going to continue having any engagement with this particular guy. And I wish justice would prevail.”