National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has called on North West businessman Brown Mogotsi to provide evidence supporting his allegations that Masemola received payments from alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
The claims were raised before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating police corruption, where Masemola firmly denied any wrongdoing. He stated he will engage relevant authorities to compel Mogotsi to either retract the allegations or provide proof.
Mogotsi, who has previously submitted evidence to both the parliamentary committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, accused Masemola of accepting money linked to Matlala. The commissioner rejected these claims, suggesting that if any funds existed, they may have been misappropriated by others, but he personally received nothing.
“I didn’t receive any money from Mr. Matlala,” Masemola said. “If there was any money, perhaps Mr. Mogotsi did not deliver it. I will address this matter in the appropriate forums.”
In addition to the alleged payments, both Masemola and KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi were accused of receiving designer bags valued at over R100,000 each.
Masemola also refuted claims of a political plot involving former Minister Bheki Cele to remove Minister Senzo Mchunu, emphasizing that such allegations are unfounded.
The commissioner’s statements come amid a broader inquiry into alleged corruption, tender irregularities, and political interference within the South African Police Service. The parliamentary committee and the Madlanga Commission continue to investigate these issues, with witnesses including Mogotsi providing detailed testimony.