Madlanga Commission: Nkosi allegedly fake-authorized Czech “grabbers”
Suspended Sgt. Nkosi’s messages with Jacobs of invasys reveal dealings between police and tech firm.
The Madlanga Commission heard evidence of WhatsApp messages indicating plans for a demonstration of advanced cellphone surveillance technology called International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, or "grabbers". Sergeant Fannie Nkosi allegedly authorized and shared a draft letter with taxi boss Jothan Msibi, making it appear that the Czech-made grabbers were for SAPS use.
The conversation between Nkosi and Shaun Jacobs, a representative from the Czech technology company Invasys, revealed attempts to market the high-tech jammers to Eswatini while posing as state actors. Chief Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson stated that Jacobs' draft letter, purportedly to be placed on a SAPS letterhead by Nkosi, was intended to facilitate the demonstration of the interception equipment.
The WhatsApp messages, extracted from the phone of deceased taxi boss Jothan "King Mswazi" Msibi, were read into the record by Chaskalson. IMSI catchers, also known as "grabbers," are surveillance devices that mimic legitimate cell phone towers, tricking nearby mobile phones into connecting with them and allowing the download of communications.
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