Nomzamo Ngcobo
North West businessman Brown Mogotsi
Police raided the Seweding village business premises of North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, as part of an ongoing investigation linked to corruption allegations that have surfaced before both the Ad hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the raid, saying it formed part of a broader probe into allegations implicating Mogotsi in a network of political and criminal interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Mogotsi, who is alleged to be a close associate of embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has been accused of siphoning money from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to fund the activities of the African National Congress (ANC). Several witnesses testifying before the Madlanga Commission have described him as an information peddler who exploited his connections with senior SAPS officials to influence police operations for personal and political gain.
Evidence presented before the Commission included WhatsApp messages in which Mogotsi allegedly used his political ties to solicit funds from criminal networks, portions of which were allegedly diverted to support ANC programmes.
Last week, it was reported that the ANC had officially distanced itself from Mogotsi, stating that he was not a registered member of the party. However, Mogotsi rejected the claim, insisting that his membership remains valid.
“I am a member of the ANC and I shall remain a member, a volunteer of the African National Congress. That is the status,” Mogotsi told Newzroom Afrika in a recent interview.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, however, maintained that Mogotsi’s membership had expired, effectively cutting ties between him and the ruling party.
Mogotsi hit back, accusing Mbalula of relying on “untested information” presented to the commission and failing to apply the audi alteram partem principle — the right to be heard.
“He is relying on messages presented to the commission. I thought as a secretary-general of the oldest movement on the continent, he would allow the rule which he mentioned, the audi alteram partem principle, to state my side of the story,” Mogotsi said.
He dismissed Mbalula’s assertions as “immaterial,” adding that he would not challenge any decision by the ANC to terminate his membership.
Police have not confirmed whether any items were seized during Thursday’s raid, but sources close to the investigation say the probe is expected to widen as more evidence is being analysed by investigators.
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear testimony related to alleged political interference and corruption within the SAPS.
