Police on Thursday raided the business premises of alleged influence peddler Brown Mogotsi in Mahikeng, sparking speculation that he might be arrested.
A large police presence was observed at the property, with multiple vehicles stationed outside the premises in Seweding village, drawing the attention of local residents. Mogotsi, who was not present during the operation, later claimed the raid was politically motivated and orchestrated by powerful figures within the ANC seeking to silence him.
Speaking live to Newzroom Afrika from a hotel in Johannesburg, Mogotsi alleged that the move formed part of an abuse of state power.
“What is going on now is because the side of my story is coming out. Everything will soon be explained — including my relationship with [Vusimuzi ‘Cat’] Matlala,” he said.
“You must just think along the lines of the deputy national commissioner saying we met in Cape Town, and I forgot to pay him for breakfast. It’s that kind of situation.”
Mogotsi has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting he is being targeted for exposing corruption involving senior political and police figures.
Meanwhile, a group of Mahikeng residents gathered outside his business, accusing the police of harassment and calling for transparency in the investigation.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the raid but declined to provide specifics.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirms that there is police presence at the business premises of Mr Brown Mogotsi in Seweding village in Mahikeng. This visit is part of an ongoing investigation that has already been discussed before the ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission,” said Mathe.
Mogotsi has been linked to suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is currently incarcerated at Kgoshi Mampuru C-Max Prison. He is accused of acting as an intermediary between politicians and alleged criminal networks, coordinating efforts to shield Matlala from prosecution in exchange for money and gifts.
Text messages purportedly exchanged between Mogotsi and Matlala — now part of the parliamentary probe — suggest that Mogotsi solicited favours and cash while referencing senior officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Mchunu appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee this week, which is investigating claims that criminal syndicates have infiltrated the country’s law enforcement and justice systems. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently placed Mchunu on special leave after he was implicated by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in the same alleged network.
Mogotsi is expected to testify before both the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria and Parliament’s ad hoc committee, which are probing claims of corruption, extortion, and political interference within the SAPS.
As the investigations deepen, Thursday’s raid marks another chapter in a widening scandal threatening to expose the extent of alleged collusion between elements of the state and criminal networks.