Parliament Committee To Subpoena Brown Mogotsi After Security Dispute

Parliament’s ad hoc committee has resolved to subpoena controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi following his refusal to appear before it, citing disagreements over security arrangements.

The committee had been scheduled to hear testimony from Mogotsi and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan this week as part of its ongoing work.

However, Mogotsi declined to cooperate with the appearance process after demanding that Parliament pay for his private security detail, triggering sharp debate among committee members.

Parliamentary subpoena decision after Brown Mogotsi rejects state security offer

Reporting back to the committee, secretary Vhonani Ramaano said Mogotsi initially requested protection from Parliament’s security services. When Parliament offered to provide escorts upon his arrival in Cape Town, the businessman rejected the proposal.

Ramaano explained that although flights and accommodation were arranged, Mogotsi insisted on travelling with his own private security team and demanded that Parliament cover the costs for seven days.

“I contacted him yesterday to arrange travel, but he told me he wouldn’t give me his ID number unless his security needs were met,” Ramaano said.

Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane expressed frustration at the refusal, describing Mogotsi’s demands as “ridiculous and unacceptable”.

“He wants his own private security, and he’s asking Parliament to pay for it for seven days. We cannot accommodate such demands. Parliament cannot provide him with the kind of protection he’s requesting,” Lekganyane said.

MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo urged swift action, arguing that the committee’s authority was being undermined.

“This is not something that requires a meeting. The legal team should subpoena him immediately. We can’t let Mogotsi undermine the authority of this committee,” he said.

Nomvalo added that all MPs, including himself, accept security arrangements from Parliament. “He needs to follow the same process,” he said.

Committee raises concerns over witness absences and parliamentary logistics

Broader concerns were raised about recurring witness absences. MK Party MP David Skosana warned that repeated no-shows were damaging the committee’s credibility.

“Yesterday, we were expecting six witnesses, but only three showed up. Today, we were expecting six again, and now only two are here,” Skosana said.

He questioned the reliability of the current administrative system, saying the committee could not allow people to “do as they please” by failing to attend scheduled hearings. “If they are not willing to come, then let’s stop rescheduling to suit them,” he added.

MK Party MP Vusi Shongwe compared Mogotsi’s concerns to those of senior state figures who rely on government protection.

“The President and former presidents are guided by people they don’t know, but they trust the protection provided by the state,” Shongwe said.

He questioned the timing of Mogotsi’s fears. “If he feared for his life before, why has he never been attacked? Now, suddenly, when he’s coming to Parliament, he fears for his life? This is becoming a distraction.”

EFF MP Leigh Ann Mathys criticised delays in issuing subpoenas, particularly relating to Paul O’Sullivan, and questioned whether Parliament’s administration was at fault.

“We’ve been patient for too long. Why are witnesses not here? Is it Parliament’s fault or is it simply that people are refusing to cooperate?” she asked.

Legal adviser Andile Tetyana said the committee’s power to subpoena witnesses was limited, noting that the Speaker of the National Assembly must approve such steps.

“I’ve been informed that the Speaker will make a decision within the next day or two on this matter,” Tetyana said.

The update did little to ease tensions. Nomvalo pressed for clarity, asking when the Speaker had been approached and what response had been received.

ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli suggested the committee continue with witnesses who were present and deal with administrative issues later.

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“Let’s deal with the witnesses who are here today and address our internal issues later,” Ntuli said.

Lekganyane responded that while the process could not be rushed, the committee needed to keep moving forward.

“Summoning a witness is not something we can rush. The process will take time, but we must move forward with today’s business,” he said.

Committee members concluded that, in Mogotsi’s absence, the following day would be set aside for public submissions.

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