Brown Mogotsi apologises for unfounded CIA claims against Mkhwanazi and King Misuzulu

In a dramatic U-turn during a parliamentary hearing, North West businessman Brown Mogotsi formally retracted his explosive claims that Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini were acting as agents of the CIA.

The apology came as Mogotsi appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating corruption, state capture, and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system. Pressed for evidence, Mogotsi admitted he had none.

“Because there’s no statement, I hereby withdraw,” Mogotsi told the committee, adding, “I hereby apologise for casting aspersions on Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi and King Misuzulu the Majesty.”

From wild allegations to public apology

Mogotsi’s claims had sparked controversy across social media and political circles. He initially suggested that his suspicions stemmed from Misuzulu’s time living in the United States and remarks by Mkhwanazi about being “trained by the Americans.” However, he later acknowledged that his source had provided no supporting evidence.

The businessman also alleged that Mkhwanazi had allegedly used members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) to intimidate members of the royal household linked to AmaZulu Prince Simakade. These allegations, he claimed, were connected to disputes over coal contracts and South Africa’s international dealings, including with Israel.

Throughout his testimony, Mogotsi admitted multiple gaps in his account, including inconsistencies about a trip he made to Kenya to meet a source allegedly providing information about the matter. He could not consistently confirm who funded the trip or who accompanied him, though he eventually claimed the airfare was R5,000.

Parliamentary members, including Julius Malema, pressed Mogotsi to provide documentation for the trip and the identities of those involved.

Lessons in accountability

The hearing highlighted the dangers of unverified claims in a politically charged environment. ANC MP Khusela Sangoni reminded Mogotsi that allegations of this magnitude must be backed by proof before being made public a message many in civil society echoed online after the hearing.

Observers noted that the case underscores the importance of evidence-based discourse, especially when it involves high-profile figures such as a Zulu monarch and a senior police official. Social media reaction ranged from relief that the allegations had been withdrawn to criticism over how quickly misinformation can spread and tarnish reputations.

Mogotsi’s formal apology marks the end of one of the more sensational claims in the ongoing parliamentary inquiry into corruption and political interference. Yet, questions remain about the sources of such claims, the motivations behind them, and the need for more rigorous vetting of information before it reaches public platforms.

For Mkhwanazi and King Misuzulu, the public apology restores some reputational clarity, though the episode serves as a reminder of how rumours and unverified intelligence can ripple across politics, media, and society in South Africa.

The committee has instructed Mogotsi to submit documentation on the Kenya trip and funding sources, signaling that the inquiry will continue to probe the circumstances behind his initial allegations.

{Source: IOL}

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