Controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, accused of acting as a middleman in a web of alleged corruption linking suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, is scheduled to take the stand at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, 18 November 2025.
The hearing, marking the start of Phase 2 of the inquiry, will allow implicated individuals like Mogotsi to address serious claims of criminality, including the facilitation of R500,000 in payments from Matlala to support Mchunu’s ANC presidential bid in 2027. WhatsApp exchanges, extracted from Matlala’s seized phone and previously presented to the commission, appear to show Mogotsi receiving monetary benefits from the alleged cartel member in exchange for classified police intelligence and influence over state contracts.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed Mogotsi’s appearance for two days, beginning at 9:30am on Tuesday, where he will respond to allegations from witnesses including Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo of SAPS crime intelligence. Khumalo’s earlier testimony detailed how Mogotsi allegedly leaked details of police raids and the disbandment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) to Matlala, who in turn funded ANC events tied to Mchunu.
Mogotsi, a former lobbyist for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2017 ANC leadership campaign, has been linked to Mchunu’s ex-chief of staff Cedric Nkabinde and faces parallel criminal probes, including SAPS raids on his premises. Mchunu, currently on leave amid the scandal, has denied close ties to Mogotsi, describing him merely as a “comrade” and rejecting claims of interference in the PKTT’s shutdown or receipt of illicit funds. The ANC has distanced itself, stating Mogotsi’s membership has lapsed, a claim he disputes.
The inquiry, chaired by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is probing systemic corruption in the criminal justice system, with Mogotsi’s testimony expected to be among the most anticipated due to its potential to expose high-level connections. Recent events, including an alleged attempt on Mogotsi’s life in early November, have heightened concerns over witness safety.
Proceedings continue.