By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry heard further revelations on the links between controversial ANC-aligned North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, sidelined police minister Senzo Mchunu and big five cartel figure Vusimuzi Matlala.
Mogotsi has been accused of being the middleman between Mchunu and Matlala, a key link in the alleged criminal infiltration of law enforcement and political circles, claims first made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mogotsi made a series of sensational and occasionally far-fetched claims before the commission probing criminality, political meddling and corruption in South Africa’s justice system.
Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga said he had “fundamental problems” with Mogotsi’s unsubstantiated testimony, while evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson called Mogotsi “a professional liar”.
“An oath is meaningless to you and I have no reason to believe the one you took here means anything to you, “Madlanga said.
Mogotsi claimed to be an agent of the state tasked with uncovering crime intelligence information and said he received basic training in 2020 when he was promoted from being a police informant to contact agent.
Asked if he was a member of ANC’s former military wing at the age of 13 Mogotsi readjusted his age and said he was born in 1977 instead of the stated age in his affidavit of 1979.
He said the home affairs department made an error in his birth certificate.
Mogotsi also defended his WhatsApp texts with Matlala where he solicited funds in exchange for confidential police information, saying they were part of his “legend building” as a police informant to extract information from the suspected cartel leader.
Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo has presented WhatsApp evidence to the commission where Mogotsi asked for funds from Matlala and warns him about planned police operations.
Matlala is expected to be called as a witness before the Parliament ad hoc committee, which will sit at Kgosi Mampuru Prison in Tshwane to hear his testimony.
Last year, the SAPS awarded a company of Matlala’s, Medicare 24 Tshwane District (Pty) Ltd, a R360-million contract. It was later cancelled.
The Madlanga Commission has adjourned until Tuesday, 25 November. Mogotsi’s testimony remains incomplete, with a new date still to be announced.