Brown Mogotsi, a controversial North West businessman with ties to top government officials, has been thrust into the national spotlight. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has formally implicated him in a web of corruption, political interference, and criminal collusion.
He now has just five days to respond.
What Is the Madlanga Commission?
The Madlanga Commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is tasked with investigating systemic corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. President Cyril Ramaphosa established the inquiry to expose political interference, organised crime, and internal sabotage within SAPS.
Public hearings take place at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. These sessions have already uncovered shocking revelations about deep-rooted criminal networks operating within law enforcement.
Read more about Mandla Mandela and Other Detained South Africans Set to Be Released Today from Israel here.
Brown Mogotsi and the Allegations Against Him
The Commission issued a Rule 3 notice to Mogotsi on 7 October 2025. This official notification gives him five calendar days to respond to the serious claims made against him.
- Unlawful interference in SAPS operations
- Collusion with organised crime syndicates
- Access to classified police information
- Acting as a broker between underworld figures and senior government officials
WhatsApp Evidence and High-Level Connections
Key testimony from Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KZN Police Commissioner, and Crime Intelligence Head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, has intensified scrutiny on Mogotsi.
A trail of WhatsApp messages between Mogotsi and businessman Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala allegedly shows:
- Payment exchanges for protection and influence
- Access to secret SAPS documents
- Planning the disbandment of the elite Political Killings Task Team (PKTT)
The Commission’s secretary, Dr Nolitha Vukuza, confirmed that the messages show Mogotsi positioning himself as a “broker between underworld figures, political actors, and police executives.”
Links to Minister Senzo Mchunu
A significant thread in the case is Mogotsi’s alleged close relationship with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on a leave of absence.
Evidence suggests Mogotsi referenced Mchunu in sensitive conversations and facilitated meetings involving senior SAPS officers. According to reports, these interactions raise serious concerns about political shielding and undue influence.
Discover the details in Madlanga Commission: Khumalo Unveils Shocking Chats Between Matlala and Mogotsi here.
Legal Rights and Commission Procedure
The Rule 3 notice grants Mogotsi the legal right to respond in two ways:
- Submitting an affidavit disputing or clarifying the allegations
- Applying to testify in person before the Commission
The Commission has clarified that, even if Mogotsi fails to respond, it may still compel him to appear.
“The Commission has issued Rule 3 notices to several persons of interest who were implicated…” — Jeremy Michaels, Commission Spokesperson
ANC Membership Status Under Scrutiny
Brown Mogotsi’s political affiliations have also come under the microscope. While he claims to remain a member of the ANC, the party’s leadership says otherwise.
The ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula denied his active membership, stating:
“As far as our organisation is concerned, he’s not our member. Period.”
This disavowal could influence the public’s perception of political protection surrounding Mogotsi.
What Happens Next?
The Commission is set to resume public hearings on Monday, 13 October 2025. It remains to be seen whether Mogotsi will file his affidavit or apply to testify.
If he fails to do so, the Commission has the authority to subpoena him. Either way, the implications of this case could reshape the public’s trust in law enforcement and governance in South Africa.
Find out how KT Molefe and ‘Cat’ Matlala are linked to the ‘Big 5’ cartel in Madlanga Commission Hears KT Molefe & ‘Cat’ Matlala Linked to ‘Big 5’ Cartel here.
