Bombshell claim: Brown Mogotsi says Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi took secret bribe from Cat Matlala
Brown Mogotsi made bombshell claim at the Madlanga Commission that he was a crime intelligence agent working undercover, through a handler, to gain information of South Africa's underworld.
Image: Oupa Mokoena Independent Newspapers and IOL Graphics
Businessman Brown Mogotsi has told the Madlanga Commission that Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala claimed to have bribed KZN Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, at his uMhlanga Ridge residence in July.
This after he made another bombshell claim at the commission: he was a crime intelligence agent working undercover, through a handler, to gain information of South Africa's underworld.
He told the Madlanga Commission he has been an SAPS informant since 1999.
The controversial character acted as an uMkhonto weSizwe operative and later worked inside Crime Intelligence, and admitted serving as a recruited police contact agent. Mogotsi has been linked with suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu and deputy national commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya.
The North West businessman and alleged political operator is testifying on political interference in the SAPS before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday.
Businessman Brown Mogotsi tells the Madlanga Commission that Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told him that he met with KZN Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, in his residence in uMhlanga Ridge to give him an amount of money.
Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL News
His testimony is expected to be heard over two days.
Mogotsi is accused of acting as a conduit between suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and alleged crime cartel boss, Matlala.
Central to the inquiry is a claim that Mogotsi solicited R500,000 from Matlala to fund flights and accommodation for eight ANC members attending a fundraising gala ahead of the party’s January 8 celebrations in Cape Town.
In exchange, Mogotsi allegedly supplied Matlala with classified police intelligence.
A recording previously presented to the commission features a voice, believed to be Matlala’s, stating the funds were provided in support of Mchunu’s presidential ambitions.
Mchunu has publicly downplayed any intimate connection to Mogotsi, insisting he knows him only as a “comrade.” Mogotsi has also been linked to Mchunu’s former chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde.
The ANC has sought to distance itself from the unfolding scandal, asserting that Mogotsi’s party membership has lapsed.
Mogotsi disputes this claim, insisting he remains a member in good standing.
The allegations have triggered parallel criminal investigations.
SAPS has raided Mogotsi’s business premises, seizing documents believed to be relevant to the inquiry.
In a separate incident in early November 2025, gunmen allegedly opened fire on Mogotsi’s vehicle in Vosloorus.
He escaped unharmed, but conflicting witness accounts and the absence of forensic evidence have fuelled speculation that the shooting may have been staged.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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