A wave of accusations has hit South Africa’s political and law enforcement circles after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made serious claims in a media briefing on Sunday.
At the heart of the allegations is Brown Mogotsi, a politically connected figure with no official government role but said to have significant sway within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of being behind the disbandment of the SAPS political killings task team in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year. According to the commissioner, the team had uncovered a criminal network linked to political murders, with Mogotsi’s name appearing multiple times in the investigation.
Mkhwanazi claimed that in March 2025, 121 case files handled by the task team were taken away and redirected on Mchunu’s orders. This came after 10 officers from KZN were sent to assist a separate investigation in Gauteng, where ties between crime syndicates and high-ranking political figures, including Mogotsi, were allegedly found.
The commissioner presented WhatsApp messages from the phone of businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala, who faces conspiracy to commit murder charges. One message from Mogotsi to Matlala read, “I have arranged a meeting for Sibiya and the minister, they must have a solution.” Another stated, “The task team that came to your house and harassed you have been dissolved. They got the letter on Monday. As we speak, they are bringing all dockets to Sibiya.”
Mkhwanazi said these messages suggest Mogotsi acted as a middleman between senior police officials and politically connected businesspeople.
Who is Brown Mogotsi?
Mkhwanazi described Mogotsi as a self-proclaimed businessman from Seweding in North West, a known ANC member and former rival of party leader Supra Mahumapelo. Despite holding no government position, he allegedly exerted influence over SAPS decisions.
Financial records also showed that Matlala covered travel and accommodation costs for Mogotsi and others attending ANC events, hinting at deeper political and financial ties.
Minister Mchunu previously denied knowing Mogotsi in parliament, but an online recording appeared to show him referring to Mogotsi as “his comrade from North West.”
In response, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party takes the allegations seriously and supports accountability and non-interference in law enforcement. The ANC has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to act decisively. Ramaphosa, speaking from the BRICS Summit in Rio, acknowledged the seriousness of the claims and said the matter would be addressed upon his return.
