As parliamentary and commission inquiries into alleged criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system continue, witnesses aligned with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s perceived faction have increasingly faced scrutiny over their testimony and conduct.
Alleged influence broker Brown Mogotsi, currently on special leave, and Mary de Haas, who admitted to incorrectly presenting herself as a professor during testimony before Parliament’s ad-hoc committee in Cape Town, appeared before the inquiry.
Questioned Credentials
De Haas, who teaches at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, initially maintained she was a professor but later clarified under pressure that she had not completed her degree.
“I’m not a professor. I should have been. I was just too busy teaching to finish my degree,” she told committee members, raising questions around professional misrepresentation.
Unsubstantiated Allegations Against Police Leadership
De Haas and Mogotsi both made claims casting doubt on the credibility of high-ranking police officials, including National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and Crime Intelligence head General Dumisani Khumalo. No supporting evidence was provided.
Mogotsi further alleged that General Mkhwanazi and King Misuzulu were “working with the CIA” – a statement widely criticized on social media. Claims made by Mogotsi and de Haas echo those put forward by suspended deputy national commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya and convicted criminal Stuart Scharnick, both of whom have failed to substantiate their allegations.
Contradictory Testimony
Mogotsi also alleged that alleged criminal figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala paid R5 million to General Masemola for protection from investigations. However, previous testimony before the Madlanga Commission contradicts this claim, with witnesses stating Matlala had confessed to making large monthly payments to Sibiya in exchange for protection. Matlala reportedly made similar claims in an affidavit during his bail hearing.
Former police minister Bheki Cele also told the ad-hoc committee that Matlala had approached him for advice after allegedly being instructed by Sibiya and Mchunu to fabricate allegations against the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Delayed Proceedings
Following Mogotsi’s difficulty responding to basic procedural questions during his appearance, the commission announced a delayed start to Wednesday’s session.
“The late start will give Mr Brown Mogotsi the opportunity, with his legal advisors, to consider documents… that he has not yet been able to work through,” said commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels.
Calls for Accountability
Public pressure is intensifying for those implicated during proceedings to face possible arrest. Former chief of staff to Minister Mchunu, Cedrick Nkabinde, is set to return to Parliament after being removed from the session, having admitted to previously lying under oath.