African police sergeant denied bail, remains in custody

A suspended South African police sergeant will remain in custody after the Pretoria High Court dismissed his appeal for bail on Wednesday. Judge Mokhine Mosopa upheld a lower court's decision, finding no reason to overturn the magistrate's ruling that Sergeant Fannie Nkosi's release would not be in the interests of justice.

Nkosi, a 42-year-old member of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit, was arrested on April 2 following a raid on his Pretoria North home. He faces a series of charges including theft, defeating the ends of justice, and the unlawful possession of ammunition and explosives. He has been suspended from duty since March.

During the appeal hearing, state prosecutors outlined evidence they argued demonstrated a risk Nkosi would interfere with the investigation if released. They told the court that more than R50,000 in cash was found at his property and that over R300,000 had moved through his bank account despite a monthly salary of approximately R16,000. Nkosi has not provided an explanation for these funds, according to the state.

Prosecutors also warned that, as a police officer, Nkosi could manipulate police systems, tamper with documents, or interfere with witnesses....