Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has told a parliamentary committee that he has no connection to a suspected crime kingpin. The committee is investigating claims that senior police officials have ties to criminal groups.
The inquiry focuses on allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. A key point is Mchunu’s relationship with businessman Brown Mogotsi, who is himself alleged to be associated with suspected crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Mchunu stated that while he has known Mogotsi since 2017, he considers him a “comrade” and not a close associate. He strongly denied ever meeting Matlala.
“I’ve never met Matlala alone. I’ve never met him in the company of Mogotsi or in any other capacity,” Mchunu told the committee.
The evidence leader, advocate Norman Arendse, presented WhatsApp messages allegedly sent from Mogotsi to Mchunu. Mchunu said he did not respond to them because he did not understand their context.
Minister Mchunu also accused Commissioner Mkhwanazi of twisting his words to fit a false narrative about their interactions.
The investigation by the ad hoc committee continues.