Pretoria – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the immediate precautionary suspension of City of Tshwane chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi following a South African Revenue Service (SARS) operation at his offices.
The demand marks a shift in the party’s position after EFF councillors previously supported classifying allegations against Mnisi as “less serious”.
In a statement on Thursday, EFF spokesperson Thembi Msane said Mnisi should be placed on precautionary suspension while the investigation continues.
She stressed that suspension should not be treated as a finding of guilt, but argued that it would protect the integrity of the investigation and restore public confidence in the municipality.
“A precautionary suspension is not a punishment. It ensures that the investigation does not disrupt the City’s operations, and it gives Mr Mnisi sufficient time to attend to his matters,” Msane said.
“Mr Mnisi remains innocent until proven guilty, and that constitutional right must be respected. But no one in the City should be seen to be protecting those facing serious allegations.”
The EFF said the CFO’s position carries significant responsibility because it involves overseeing public funds, adding that residents should have confidence in the person managing the municipality’s finances.
The EFF’s Statement on the SARS Operation at Tshwane House and a Call for the Immediate Suspension of CFO Gareth Mnisi
-The EFF notes that this is not the first cloud over Mr Mnisi. He was suspended earlier this year after being implicated at the Madlanga Commission, and was reinstated in
July with a final written warning. The City cannot allow this cloud to keep hanging over the municipality. Stability must be the priority.— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) October 29, 2026
Mnisi was previously suspended earlier this year after allegations involving tender rigging, collusion and the leaking of confidential tender information emerged during proceedings linked to the Madlanga Commission.
He was reinstated in July with a final written warning, according to the EFF statement.
The party said the latest SARS operation had renewed concerns about his continued presence in the position.
The EFF said it would write to Tshwane executive mayor Nasiphi Moya, demanding transparent action within 48 hours.
It also criticised the mayor’s handling of the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, saying it had lost confidence in her leadership.
The party further called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to be transparent and accelerate any related criminal investigation.
It said arrests should follow where sufficient evidence exists, warning that a failure to act could raise suspicions of political interference.
The EFF also referred to concerns about cases previously withdrawn by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), arguing that such developments had damaged public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
