Brown “Comrade” Mogotsi, an alleged political ally of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has finally broken his silence following damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that have shaken the South African Police Service (SAPS) and cast doubt on the integrity of senior political figures.
Speaking in an interview with 5FM, Mogotsi confirmed he would publicly address the allegations soon.
“I’m aware that the public, South Africans, have been waiting to hear the side of my story. I’ll be taking the nation into confidence,” he said.
“I had to deal with my security situation. I’ve been followed. My phones had issues. But I’m ready now.”
Explosive Allegations of Political Meddling and Organised Crime
Mogotsi has faced intense scrutiny since Lt. Gen. Mkhwanazi held a public press briefing in Durban, supported by SAPS Special Task Force members and district commissioners. In the briefing, Mkhwanazi laid out a detailed and deeply troubling narrative alleging systemic interference in the Political Killings Task Team, reportedly orchestrated by Minister Mchunu and his associates.
Mkhwanazi claimed:
- Mchunu unlawfully disbanded the specialised task team in March 2025, instructing the withdrawal of 121 active dockets, including politically linked assassination cases.
- WhatsApp chats and internal SAPS communications tied Mogotsi to individuals under active investigation, including businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who had secured a R360 million police contract in 2024.
- Mogotsi allegedly informed Matlala that the unit had been dissolved and its cases reassigned under the control of SAPS Deputy Commissioner Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya.
- Financial links suggest that funds were exchanged among Mogotsi, Matlala, and Mchunu for political purposes, including event sponsorships and gala dinners.
“The disbandment of the task team was not a mistake,” said Mkhwanazi.
“It was a deliberate attempt to shield an organised criminal syndicate deeply rooted in our law enforcement, political, and judicial systems.”
Impact on Investigations and Public Safety
Since its establishment in 2018, the Political Killings Task Team has:
- Investigated 612 dockets
- Secured over 100 convictions
- Achieved 29 life sentences
Its contributions have included breakthroughs in high-profile cases across Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and even the University of Fort Hare.
Mkhwanazi claims pressure to dissolve the unit ramped up after a ballistic expert from the team linked weapons recovered in Gauteng to multiple assassinations, some involving South African musicians.
Contradictions, Denials, and a Presidential Response Looming
While Minister Mchunu initially denied knowing Mogotsi during a March 2025 parliamentary hearing, on 9 July 2025, he changed course, stating:
“He is just a comrade, not an associate. I’ve never requested or received anything from him.”
Additionally, Mchunu justified the disbandment by claiming in a December 2024 letter to National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola that the unit was “no longer relevant.” Masemola, however, has denied authorising the closure.
Ramaphosa to Address the Nation
After two days of silence following Mkhwanazi’s bombshell allegations, President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed he will address the nation on Sunday. The address will focus on recent revelations involving political interference, SAPS leadership, and systemic corruption.
The country awaits his response as pressure mounts on the government to restore public confidence in both the justice system and political accountability.
