Controversial North West businessman Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi took the stand as the first witness in Phase 2 of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, launching a series of sensational allegations against senior police officials and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Mogotsi, who has previously been linked to suspected crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, told the commission that his association with Matlala was part of a sanctioned intelligence-gathering operation. He denied any personal wrongdoing and claimed to have been acting under instructions from Crime Intelligence handlers.
During his testimony, Mogotsi alleged that:
- KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini are working with the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
- Mkhwanazi also has ties to Israeli intelligence.
- National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola demanded R25 million from Matlala and received R5 million.
- Former Police Minister Bheki Cele accepted R2 million and stayed at Matlala’s luxury Menlyn Maine penthouse in January 2025.
Under cross-examination by evidence leader Advocate Anton Katz SC and sharp questioning from commission chair Justice Sisi Khampepe’s deputy, Justice President Dennis Madlanga, Mogotsi repeatedly admitted that the bulk of his claims were based on hearsay and information from unnamed sources.
He told the commission he had travelled to Nairobi on the advice of the late South African Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, to meet a contact known only as “George” who allegedly confirmed the possibility that Mkhwanazi could be a CIA asset. Mogotsi produced a plane ticket but no further evidence of the meeting or its outcome.
Justice Madlanga challenged Mogotsi directly: “Do you admit that this is all hearsay?” “I do,” Mogotsi replied.
The commission has ordered Mogotsi to correct several inconsistencies and incorrect dates in his witness statement before he resumes testimony on Wednesday.
Social media reaction was swift and largely dismissive, with many users accusing Mogotsi of fabricating evidence and wasting the commission’s time. Prominent commentator Sentletse Diakanyo described the Nairobi trip as “a story that belongs in a comedy script”.
Key allegations made by Mogotsi
Mogotsi’s testimony wove a web of conspiracy theories, blending personal anecdotes with unverified accusations against high-profile figures. Here’s a breakdown:
| Allegation | Details | Response/Challenge at Commission |
|---|---|---|
| CIA/Israeli Intelligence Ties | Claimed KZN Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini work with the CIA (Mkhwanazi also with Israeli intelligence) to advance “Western interests,” including harassing Prince Simakade Zulu over throne claims. Sourced from a “contact” named George in Nairobi, referred by the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa (who died in September 2025). | Admitted it’s hearsay; produced a plane ticket as “proof” of Kenya trip but no further evidence. Madlanga quipped that US training (which Mkhwanazi has) would make him a CIA agent too, drawing courtroom laughter. No case details beyond a single docket number. |
| Bribes to Top Officials | Alleged Matlala paid R5 million to National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola (who demanded R25 million) and R2 million to former Police Minister Bheki Cele (who wanted R10 million). Claimed Cele stayed at Matlala’s Menlyn Maine penthouse in January 2025 during an ANC lekgotla, contradicting Cele’s parliamentary denial. | Based on “conversations” with Matlala; no financial records or witnesses. Mogotsi said Matlala plotted to oust Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya and Mchunu to reinstate Cele, but couldn’t explain the “how.” |
| Matlala as “John Wick” | Labelled Matlala the Mamelodi vigilante “John Wick,” behind 2021 gang killings, tying into broader criminal syndicate claims. | Unsubstantiated; no links to unsolved dockets. Described Matlala as a “criminal mastermind” funding ANC events (e.g., R500,000 for Mchunu’s 2027 bid via Mogotsi). |
| SAPS Rogue Elements | Accused the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) of operating “as a law unto itself,” with Masemola shielding corrupt SAPS insiders. Claimed Hawks generals are corrupt, including improper releases of criminals. | Referred to unnamed “informers”; admitted limited direct knowledge. Called it “my world, commissioner” when pressed on SAPS inner workings. |
| Personal Victimisation | Reiterated a November 2025 “assassination attempt” in Vosloorus (car shot at, no injuries), blaming rivals. Denied staging it, despite SAPS suspicions and lack of blood/forensics. | Commission noted he didn’t report it promptly; prior testimony questioned its authenticity. |
The inquiry continues.