By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress says Brown Mogotsi, who has been linked to attempted murder-accused tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, is not a member of the party.
This comes as testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry links Mogotsi to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Matlala, who have been implicated in corruption, political interference and malfeasance within the South African Police Service (Saps), which the country was originally alerted to when Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi went public with allegations.
SAPS Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, also testified at the commission about WhatsApp messages between Mogotsi and Matlala.
According to the messages, Mogotsi regularly sought financial assistance from Matlala, including for his and his associates’ travel to the ANC’s January 8 rally in Cape Town this year.
Khumalo further testified that Mogotsi had access to internal SAPS information which he often shared with Matlala, including Mchunu’s decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the allegations against Mogotsi were “deeply concerning”.
Bhengu noted that the party’s membership records confirmed that his ANC membership had expired.
She stated that crime and corruption were the enemies of development and democracy.
The ANC will not allow its name to be associated with those who betray the principles of our movement for personal gain,” she said.
Bhengu promised that the ANC would act firmly and “without hesitation” against any of its members found to be involved in criminal activity.
“Cases will be referred to the Integrity Commission and, where warranted, to the ANC’s disciplinary structures in line with Rule 25. They will also be reported to law enforcement, because no one is above the law,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ANC welcomed the voluntary decision by National Executive Committee (NEC) member Thabang Makwetla, to step aside from his responsibilities following his appearance at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes court.
Bhengu said in line with the ANC constitution and the resolutions of the fifty-fifth ANC National Conference, Makwetla had acted with “exemplary discipline and political maturity” by stepping aside without being directed to do so.
“This includes relinquishing his roles as chairperson of the NEC Subcommittee on Peace and Stability as well as Convener of Deployees in the Limpopo province,” she said.
Makwetla was arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption. He faces charges related to the contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and fraud.