Mnisi returned to work in July after receiving a final written warning.
Suspended Tshwane CFO Gareth Mnisi. Picture: Gallo Images / Frennie Shivambu
The City of Tshwane has confirmed to The Citizen that the South African Revenue Service (Sars) executed a search warrant to raid the home of City of Tshwane chief financial officer (CFO) Gareth Mnisi.
The raid was allegedly conducted on Thursday morning.
Raid
City of Tshwane Mayoral spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi told The Citizen that they have received a notice.
“We can confirm that Sars had previously advised the City of its intention to execute search warrants at the office and residence of the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Gareth Mnisi,” Mgobozi said.
“We believe that Sars has since executed those warrants. SARS officials were at Tshwane House this morning, and we can confirm that Mr Mnisi subsequently left the premises accompanied by individuals wearing Sars apparel.
“Any further questions regarding the nature of the operation, the execution of the warrants or Mr Mnisi’s status should be directed to the South African Revenue Service,” Mgobozi said.
Access
The City of Tshwane spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, confirmed that access was granted to Mnisi’s office in his presence.
“The search has since been concluded, and the Chief Financial Officer has been afforded time to attend to the matter. The matter remains with the SARS search-and-seizure unit.
“The city respects the ongoing investigation and will cooperate with the relevant authorities. To preserve the integrity of the process, the city will refrain from commenting on the substance of the matter while the investigation is underway,” Mashigo said.
Suspension
Mnisi returned to work in July after receiving a final written warning following disciplinary proceedings linked to allegations raised before the Madlanga Commission.
He was suspended earlier in 2026 after claims that he shared confidential tender information and may have influenced procurement processes while serving as chairperson of the city’s Bid Adjudication Committee.
A forensic investigation also examined allegations that he failed to declare certain business interests and relationships with companies involved in municipal tenders.
While the investigation did not find him guilty of misconduct, it recommended disciplinary action.
Earlier in July, the Tshwane Council voted to classify the allegations against Mnisi as less serious, paving the way for his return to work.
Court application
However, the DA launched an urgent court application challenging both the downgrade of the allegations and the legality of the council meeting that adopted the decision.
The application also disputed the suspension of Municipal Manager Johann Mettler, with Solidarity joining the legal challenge.
Findings
DA Tshwane caucus leader Cilliers Brink argued that Mnisi had received a “soft landing” despite serious findings against him, while Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya maintained that she acted within her legal responsibilities and would abide by the court’s ruling.
The legal challenges centre on the validity of the council proceedings and voting process that led to both decisions.
