Brown Mogotsi Lawyers Withdraw Claim Matthew Chaskalson Promised Immunity

Lawyers representing controversial figure Brown Mogotsi have withdrawn allegations that Madlanga Commission chief evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson promised him immunity in exchange for implicating another witness.

The commission is currently hearing Mogotsi’s application seeking Chaskalson’s recusal on grounds of alleged bias.

Mogotsi claims Chaskalson was willing to assist him in return for information relating to controversial figure Suleiman Carrim, who has also testified before the commission.

Brown Mogotsi Lawyers Retract Immunity Allegation At Commission Hearing

During proceedings on Friday, Mogotsi’s legal team initially argued that Chaskalson had promised to protect Mogotsi if he provided information on Carrim.

However, commissioners questioned Advocate Nthabiseng Mohomane about the absence of evidence supporting the allegation in WhatsApp conversations submitted before the commission.

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“Because this is a serious allegation that you have made, and if it is not in the papers, I’m going to ask that you withdraw because it is quite a damaging allegation.”

Mohomane later conceded that the documents before the commission did not contain evidence of such a promise.

“I will retract that and say an impression was created.”

Mogotsi’s Legal Team Admits He Contacted Chaskalson First

Mogotsi’s lawyers also acknowledged during proceedings that it was Mogotsi who initially approached Chaskalson, claiming to possess information relating to Carrim.

The recusal application against Chaskalson remains before the commission as hearings continue.