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Madlanga Commission gives Brown Mogotsi five days to answer corruption claims
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has formally notified North West businessman Brown Mogotsi that he has five days to respond to serious allegations linking him to corruption, political interference, and organised crime within South Africa’s policing structures.
The notice, dated 7 October 2025, places Mogotsi at the centre of one of the most high-profile corruption investigations in recent memory, one that has already seen Police Minister Senzo Mchunu placed on temporary suspension.
Evidence points to deep interference in police affairs
The inquiry, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, revealed that evidence submitted to the commission accuses Mogotsi of:
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Interfering unlawfully in the operations of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
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Working with criminal networks to influence SAPS structures.
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Using political ties to shield illegal operations.
The commission also heard evidence of WhatsApp messages showing Mogotsi allegedly leveraging his ANC connections to solicit money from criminal figures in exchange for protection and access to classified police documents.
According to testimony, one figure, Matlala, allegedly paid hundreds of thousands of rand to Mogotsi for political and police protection, with some of the funds allegedly redirected to ANC activities.
Mogotsi says he’s ready to testify
Despite the growing scandal, Mogotsi insists he is willing to cooperate. Speaking through his representatives, he said he is prepared to appear before the commission and provide a full explanation of his role in the matter.
Under the Rule 3 notice, he is legally entitled to submit an affidavit, but Justice Madlanga also has the authority to compel him to testify if necessary.
The commission’s findings are expected to play a key role in exposing corruption and influence networks inside South Africa’s criminal justice system.
Minister Mchunu and the Political Killings Task Team
The case has widened beyond Mogotsi. It follows allegations that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu may have interfered with the work of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), a specialised police unit investigating politically motivated assassinations.
Reports suggest Mchunu allegedly disbanded the unit to protect political and criminal interests. These claims are now under review by the Madlanga Commission as part of its broader investigation into political interference and systemic corruption.
Why this inquiry matters
The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate the infiltration of criminal interests within the state’s security sector, a problem that has long plagued South Africa’s governance.
Public reaction has been one of frustration and fatigue. Many South Africans see the commission as another test of accountability in a country where inquiries often reveal wrongdoing but rarely result in prosecutions.
Still, with direct evidence, senior political figures involved, and mounting public pressure, this may be the inquiry that finally pushes reform within SAPS leadership and oversight.
As Justice Madlanga made clear, “The commission will not hesitate to compel testimony when the public interest demands it.”
Also read: “I Am Still a Member”: Defiant Brown Mogotsi Challenges ANC to Charge Him
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: iStock
