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Brown Mogotsi, a controversial North West businessman and alleged ANC operative, testified on November 18, 2025, at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption and interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS). His testimony, described by observers as rambling and conspiracy-laden, focused on his background as a former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) operative, police informant, and “contact agent,” while addressing claims of meddling in police affairs on behalf of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Mogotsi denied many accusations against him but made several bold allegations, primarily hearsay-based suspicions of foreign interference. Below is a summary of key allegations he raised:
Key Allegations by Brown Mogotsi
- CIA Recruitment of High-Profile Figures: Mogotsi alleged “real suspicions” that Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi (former KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner) and King Misuzulu kaZwelithini (Zulu monarch) were recruited by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and actively working for it. He claimed this information came indirectly from a “source who was informed by another source,” emphasizing no concrete evidence was produced. This drew immediate scrutiny from Justice Madlanga, who probed the claim’s basis, with Mogotsi admitting it was hearsay but admissible.
- Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala as a Dangerous Underworld Figure: Mogotsi likened alleged crime syndicate boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala—previously accused of bribing officials—to the fictional assassin “John Wick,” implying Matlala’s ruthless, hitman-like operations in organized crime and influence-peddling. This tied into broader testimony on Matlala’s alleged payments funneled through Mogotsi to Mchunu for political favors, such as January 8 event accommodations.
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- Political and Police Interference Networks: While defending his role, Mogotsi alleged systemic eavesdropping and information leaks within ANC and SAPS circles, including his own tavern conversations being sold to handlers. He portrayed himself as a “snitch” for police generals and claimed access to privileged intel “that just came to him,” accusing rivals of betrayal by distancing themselves from him. He also referenced Prince Simakade (a Zulu royal contender) in passing, hinting at royal family intrigue linked to the CIA suspicions.
- Political and Police Interference Networks: While defending his role, Mogotsi alleged systemic eavesdropping and information leaks within ANC and SAPS circles, including his own tavern conversations being sold to handlers. He portrayed himself as a “snitch” for police generals and claimed access to privileged intel “that just came to him,” accusing rivals of betrayal by distancing themselves from him. He also referenced Prince Simakade (a Zulu royal contender) in passing, hinting at royal family intrigue linked to the CIA suspicions.
During his testimony, Mogotsi elaborated extensively on his involvement with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence (CI) unit. He framed his career as a seamless evolution from anti-apartheid activism to professional intelligence operations, emphasizing his expertise in clandestine work while defending his legitimacy as an agent. Mogotsi described himself as a “contact agent” (a registered CI operative distinct from a basic informant), reporting to handlers and managing sub-sources.
Registration and Role as CI Agent (2009 Onward)
- Formal Registration as Contact Agent: In 2009, Mogotsi was “registered” as a CI agent, elevating him beyond informant status. As a contact agent, he recruited and managed sub-informants, built networks, and conducted proactive investigations. He reported to a “main handler” (primary contact) and sometimes a “co-handler,” with operations kept off official records. “I was registered and thereafter acted as an agent for Crime Intelligence in South African Police Service,” he affirmed.
- Payments and Operational Secrecy: Mogotsi detailed a “flat rate” system for informants (e.g., R3,000 per tip), paid in undocumented cash directly by handlers to agents and sub-sources. He portrayed this as standard for covert work, insisting it prevented leaks. Justice Madlanga probed the lack of records, to which Mogotsi replied that secrecy was paramount.
- Key Duties and Investigations
- Tasked by Lt. Gen. Dumisani Mfazi: Mogotsi claimed the late Lt. Gen. Mfazi (former Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection) recruited him around 2018 to probe “irregularities” within CI and SAPS. This included auditing procurement (e.g., vehicles), verifying informant payments, and exposing inflation of costs or theft of funds. He alleged discovering embezzlement where officials pocketed money meant for sources.
- Organized Crime Probes: He referenced a 2018 CI “blue” presentation document on syndicates, dubbing it the “Boko Haram” file. In it, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was flagged as a hitman-like figure (“John Wick” in CI slang) involved in bribery and influence-peddling. Mogotsi said he delivered this report to then-Police Minister Bheki Cele, tying it to broader corruption networks.
- Access to Sensitive Intel: Mogotsi boasted of “privileged access” to SAPS eavesdropping tools, leaks, and rivalries, including instances where his own conversations were sold to handlers. He positioned himself as a reliable “snitch” who advanced through ranks due to results, but denied personal corruption.
- Tasked by Lt. Gen. Dumisani Mfazi: Mogotsi claimed the late Lt. Gen. Mfazi (former Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection) recruited him around 2018 to probe “irregularities” within CI and SAPS. This included auditing procurement (e.g., vehicles), verifying informant payments, and exposing inflation of costs or theft of funds. He alleged discovering embezzlement where officials pocketed money meant for sources.
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