By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi has refused to appear before the ADHoc Committee, he is demanding his own protection detail to be paid for by Parliament.
Fullview learnt that Mogotsi also wants Parliament to foot the bill for the period of seven days.
The Committee’s chairperson Molapisi Soviet Lekganyane said they received a report from the committee’s secretary that he tried to book flights and accommodation for Mogotsi, but he refused to cooperate saying he would not give his personal details.
Mogotsi was supposed to appear before the Committee on Thursday.
Reporting back to the committee, Secretary Vhonani Ramaano explained that Mogotsi initially requested security protection from Parliament’s security services. However, when an offer was made to provide him with escorts upon his arrival in Cape Town, Mogotsi rejected it.
Ramaano further explained that despite efforts to arrange flights and accommodation for Mogotsi, the businessman insisted on using his own private security and demanded that Parliament fund it for seven days.
“I contacted him yesterday to arrange travel, but he told me he wouldn’t give me his ID number unless his security needs were met,” Ramaano said.
Members of Parliament expressed frustrations and said Mogotsi must be subpoenaed as soon as possible.
“The terms of reference are very clear on what must happen. This is a sign of refusal by Mogotsi. The only thing that the legal team must do, they must subpoena him to come here.”
The committee was also expected to hear testimony from Paul O’Sullivan this week, but he refused to appear in person, citing safety concerns.
The inquiry had to use this week to hold public hearings as a result of O’Sullivan’s absence.
Legal Advisor Andile Tetyana clarified the committee’s limited authority regarding subpoenas, stating that the Speaker of the National Assembly has the final say on summoning witnesses such as O’Sullivan.
“I’ve been informed that the Speaker will make a decision within the next day or two on this matter,” Tetyana said.
Lekganyane maintained that the committee must continue to focus on resolving the ongoing issues, particularly the witness appearances.
“Summoning a witness is not something we can rush,” Lekganyane said. “The process will take time, but we must move forward with today’s business.”
However, the frustrations within the committee continued to mount as members questioned the effectiveness of Parliament’s administration in handling witness logistics.
Lekganyane confirmed that while Mogotsi’s appearance on Thursday is unlikely given his “ridiculous demands”, the inquiry will not grind to a halt. If Mogotsi fails to show, the committee will proceed with further submissions from the public and civil society organisations.