Journalist Natasha Phiri has been placed on precautionary suspension by the South African Broadcasting Commission (SABC), after it was revealed at the Madlanga Commission that she received a payment of R500 from Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
Also see: Madlanga Commission hears how Musa Khawula’s arrest was planned
SABC released a statement confirming Natasha’s suspension. “The South African Broadcasting Commission (SABC) has noted the evidence presented at the Madlanga Commission that a journalist was paid in exchange for information. The SABC views this matter in serious light, and has placed Ms Natasha Phiri on a precautionary suspension while the matter is being investigated,” read the statement.
Meanwhile, Fannie denied paying R500 in exchange for information. He said it was a ‘thank you’ for speaking to her.
Sergeant Fannie Nkosi told the Madlanga Commission today that the R500 he gave to Natasha SABC was not payment for information or Musa Khawula’s phone number.
He said it was just a thank-you for chatting with her, plus a Red Bull pic.twitter.com/2PA5p2rKav
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) March 23, 2026
Also see: Madlanga Commission hears political power pressured for Musa Khawula’s arrest
Author Jackie Phamotse also weighed in on the matter:
Out of all the laws that protect our privacy, we have Journalists that find it fit to sell our information. It has been revealed @Musa_Khawula number was “sold” for just R500! The safety of his life completely disregarded by this Journalist. Not even once did she ask him if he… pic.twitter.com/ePSVjUf78Z
— Jackie Phamotse (@JackiePhamotse) March 23, 2026
X (formerly Twitter ) users also weighed in:
Natasha Phiri is the Judas Iscariot of the media fraternity. She sold out Musa Khawula for a measly R500.
I eagerly await the reaction from SANEF.
— Sia (@lesiamolibeli) March 23, 2026
Allegedly Sgt Nkosi paid Natasha in exchange of info that led to the nabbing of Musa Khawula. #MadlangaCommission
— Skwekwekwe (@skwekwekwe) March 23, 2026
Also see: All eyes are on General Mkhwanazi and the Madlanga Commission
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