Parliament’s Justice System Inquiry Faces Tight Deadline as Cat Matlala and Brown Mogotsi Added to Witness List

Parliament’s Justice System Inquiry Faces Tight Deadline as Cat Matlala and Brown Mogotsi Added to Witness List

With just weeks left before its final deadline, Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating alleged corruption and criminal infiltration within South Africa’s justice system is racing against the clock. New names, including controversial businessman Oupa “Brown” Mogotsi and alleged cartel figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala have now been added to the growing witness list.

The committee, meeting this week at Cape Town’s Good Hope Chamber, must wrap up its work by 28 November, following an extension granted earlier this month. But with high-profile witnesses still to appear, time is running short and tensions are building.

A Web of Power and Allegations

The inquiry was sparked by explosive claims from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused senior figures in law enforcement and politics of meddling in criminal investigations. Since then, the committee has heard from a lineup of major players, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, and former minister Bheki Cele.

Now, the focus is shifting to the financial and operational underbelly of the police, including how the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has been funded and managed. Evidence leader Norman Arendse confirmed that SAPs Chief Financial Officer Puleng Dimpane would be called to shed light on those details.

But not everyone is keen or able, to take the stand. Inspector-General of Intelligence Imtiaz Fazel, currently suspended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has refused to cooperate. Arendse warned that he may have to be subpoenaed.

Meanwhile, Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo remains ill but is expected to resume testifying before the Madlanga Commission, creating further scheduling headaches.

High Stakes and High Security

The inclusion of Cat Matlala, who is currently behind bars for attempted murder, has raised both eyebrows and logistical concerns. Committee chair Soviet Lekganyane confirmed that Matlala is considered a “category A” witness, meaning special security arrangements will be made to ensure his safe and secure appearance before Parliament.

“They are the ones who will respond to us and tell us if they are able to bring him here,” Lekganyane said, noting the risk of escape during testimony.

Mogotsi, a North West businessman with alleged ties to underworld operations, is also expected to take the stand later this month. His appearance could prove pivotal as MPs attempt to map the networks of influence that allegedly connect politicians, police, and organized crime.

Behind the Political Curtain

Inside the committee, debate continues over who else should testify and how to make the most of the remaining days. Some MPs, such as the uMkhonto weSizwe Party’s David Skosana, argue that witnesses like Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo should simply submit written statements. Others, including ANC MP Nqola Xola, insist that key officials like Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili must appear in person.

The Economic Freedom Fighters’ Leigh-Ann Mathys added that acting Ekurhuleni Metro Police head Julius Mkhwanazi should testify over allegations involving police vehicles being illegally fitted with blue lights a symbol, she argued, of how deep the culture of impunity runs.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls has called for investigating officer William Kunene and whistle-blower Patricia Mashale to appear, saying their testimonies could provide missing links in the corruption web.

A Race Against Time

With fewer than four weeks to go, MPs are under immense pressure to finalize their list and complete the inquiry. Some, like MK party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo, have suggested shorter time slots per witness to keep the schedule on track.

“What we desire is having different witnesses every day from Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday,” Nomvalo said. “We are running out of time.”

But as the calendar closes in, the inquiry seems no closer to answering its central question: How deep does the rot go inside South Africa’s justice system?

Public sentiment remains skeptical. On social media, South Africans have praised the inquiry’s transparency but worry that, like many parliamentary probes before it, it might end in unanswered questions and political finger-pointing.

If the committee fails to meet its November deadline, it could ask for another extension, but for now, the clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

{Source: The Citizen}

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