Brown Mogotsi’s Messages To Senzo Mchunu Scrutinised At Madlanga Commission

North West businessman Brown Mogotsi has come under intense scrutiny over a text message he sent to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu referring to a “breakthrough”, with evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson insisting the message was unrelated to an operation in Stilfontein.

Signal messages presented before the commission show that Mogotsi remained in frequent contact with Mchunu—who is currently on special leave—shortly after a raid took place at the property of Vusi “Cat” Matlala.

Although the raid was carried out by members of the PKTT, Mogotsi has distanced himself from any involvement or knowledge of the team’s activities.

Inquiry Probes Meaning Behind “Breakthrough” Message

Confronting Mogotsi, Chaskalson suggested the “breakthrough” could only have referred to information from an IPID official.

Evidence leader: “If there was a breakthrough, it means it would’ve been that IPID guy.”

Mogotsi: “I cannot remember this message.”

Chaskalson then offered another possibility, proposing that Mogotsi might have been informed of potential grounds to arrest PKTT members accused of assaulting Matlala.

Evidence leader: “Let me suggest you another breakthrough that might have been? You may have been told that there are grounds to arrest members of the PKTT for allegedly assaulting Mr Matlala. And you may have reported that to the Minister as breakthrough. Probably that may have been a prophecy from somewhere.”

Chairperson Challenges Brown Mogotsi Over Oath and Credibility

Tensions escalated earlier when Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned Mogotsi’s respect for his oath. The challenge followed revelations that Mogotsi had misrepresented himself in an affidavit, claiming to work in the police minister’s office.

Mogotsi argued that the inquiry’s questions were “suppressing” him.

Mogotsi: “Commissioner, would I be allowed to say something.”

Justice Madlanga pressed him to answer directly.

Justice Madlanga: “Can you just answer that question, would you consider that oath to be binding on your conscious.”

Mogotsi defended his actions, citing the mission he believed he was carrying out.

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Mogotsi: “For the purpose of the mission I was undertaking commissioner, it was the only way to execute the mission.”

Justice Madlanga demanded clarity.

Justice Madlanga: “Can you now answer the question directly. Did you consider that oath to be binding on your conscience? Yes or no. You’ve given an explanation now I want a direct answer to my question.”

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