The Madlanga Commission was forced to take an early adjournment after self-proclaimed police informant Brown Mogotsi failed to appear to conclude his testimony.
Evidence Leader Mathew Chasckolson told the commission that Mogotsi only notified them this morning that he was ill, making it impossible to schedule another witness. Proceedings have now been adjourned to Wednesday morning.
Chasckolson said Mogotsi was expected to answer questions that had not been posed to him either at the commission or during the parliamentary ad hoc committee probing similar allegations—specifically, political interference in the criminal justice system and its alleged infiltration by drug cartels.
“Mr. Mogotsi was scheduled to testify today. Although he has already testified extensively before this Commission and in Parliament, there remain several important topics that we intended to canvass with him, which have not yet been addressed in either forum. Unfortunately, we received a message from Mr. Mogotsi this morning indicating that he is ill. He has undertaken to provide a medical certificate during the course of the day. This is a very unfortunate situation,” Chasckolson said.
While Mogotsi’s absence technically places him in contempt, Chasckolson urged the commission to give him the benefit of the doubt rather than immediately seek an arrest warrant, noting that the informant had generally been cooperative.
“I would request that no final decision be taken on how to respond until we have had the opportunity to consider the promised medical certificate. To date, Mr. Mogotsi has honoured every undertaking he has made regarding statements, appearances, and cooperation with the Commission. While he is currently in default, I ask that we await the medical certificate before determining the appropriate course of action,” Chasckolson said.
The commission also warned witnesses that they would face harsh consequences if found to have falsely claimed illness to avoid testifying.