South Africa’s No. 1 Talking Point: What Mogotsi’s Testimony Could Reveal at the Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Commission has shifted gears into phase two, and the spotlight is firmly on Brown Mogotsi, the controversial North West businessman accused of meddling in police affairs. His two-day testimony (18–19 November) could be a pivotal moment in revealing the dangerous intertwining of political power, criminal cartels, and policing.

1. The Testimony Timeline

Mogotsi began giving his testimony today, 18 November, and will continue until Wednesday, 19 November. He is the first witness to take the stand in phase two of the inquiry, which gives individuals implicated during phase one an opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them. His appearance follows several weeks of explosive testimony from 27 witnesses, including senior police generals and intelligence officials.

2. Mogotsi and “Cat” Matlala: The Critical Connection

At the heart of the case is Mogotsi’s alleged role as a middleman between Senzo Mchunu and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is accused of running criminal cartels.

• Mogotsi is accused of meddling in police affairs and maintaining close ties with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
• Evidence presented earlier revealed alleged WhatsApp exchanges between Mogotsi and tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, suggesting Mogotsi received over R100,000 in gratification payments.
• He allegedly arranged flights and accommodation for ANC delegates, funded by Matlala, raising questions about the blurred lines between business, politics, and policing.
• Mogotsi also claims to have survived an assassination attempt, though the circumstances remain murky.

3. Why This Matters

This link between Mogotsi and Matlala is the crux of the commission’s work:

• It demonstrates how criminal cartels infiltrate political structures, using businessmen like Mogotsi as conduits.
• It raises questions about political capture in policing, where crime bosses allegedly bankroll political projects in exchange for protection.
• It exposes the fragility of South Africa’s justice system, where intelligence leaks and political meddling compromise investigations into drug cartels and political killings.

4. The Bigger Picture

Mogotsi’s testimony is not just about his personal dealings—it’s about whether South Africa can confront the symbiotic relationship between politics and crime. If proven, the Mogotsi–Matlala connection could force reforms in how police intelligence is managed, how political funding is scrutinized, and how communities are protected from criminal infiltration.

The next two days at the Madlanga Commission are pivotal. Mogotsi’s testimony could either collapse under denial and deflection or cement the case against political-criminal collusion. Regardless of the outcome, the revelations will influence the future of policing and governance in South Africa.