Controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi will testify before the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria on Tuesday. His appearance marks the beginning of the commission’s second phase. This new phase allows individuals implicated during the first phase to respond to allegations.
Mogotsi is scheduled to be on the stand for two days, on 18 and 19 November. His testimony is highly anticipated following accusations of his involvement in alleged police corruption. The commission will scrutinise his relationships, including his links to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and alleged crime boss Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala.
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Allegations and connections
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi first named Mogotsi in a parliamentary committee. Mkhwanazi accused Mogotsi of interfering in police affairs.
He also described him as a close associate of Minister Mchunu. Mchunu, however, has refuted this, stating Mogotsi is “just a comrade”. The Madlanga commission is investigating these serious claims.
Evidence presented earlier showed alleged WhatsApp messages between Mogotsi and Matlala. These messages suggest Mogotsi received over R100,000 from Matlala. The payments were allegedly to arrange a meeting with Minister Mchunu. Mogotsi is also accused of facilitating payments for flights and accommodation for several ANC delegates.
Mogotsi has also faced personal threats. He recently survived an alleged assassination attempt in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni. His vehicle was shot at multiple times, but he was not injured. This incident occurred a few weeks after police raided his business premises in Mahikeng.
The commission, led by Justice Madlanga, was established to probe corruption within the criminal justice system. Its first phase heard testimony from 27 witnesses. The inquiry will now hear from those, like Mogotsi, who have been implicated. This testimony is a critical step for the Madlanga commission as it seeks to uncover the truth.
Image: North West Businessman, Brown Mogotsi, is set to testify before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday and Wednesday. Credit: SABC News.
