Being ‘contact agent’ allowed me access to SAPS information, says Mogotsi

BROWN Mogotsi, the alleged political fixer and a comrade of police minister Senzo Mchunu, claims being a ‘contact agent’ for the crime intelligence made him privy to sensitive information regarding the SAPS and crime intelligence.

He told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday that he was also investigating suspicions that KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was an agent for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Mogotsi claimed that the late South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, also former Police Minister, had told him that he removed Mkhwanazi as an acting national police commissioner on suspicion that he might have been a CIA agent.

He also claimed he investigated businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala at the same time, saying Matlala confessed to paying Mkhwanazi money to solve his problems.

During his testimony he also alleged former police minister Bheki Cele received R2 million payment from Matlala, who he identified as “John Wick”.

The character John Wick is linked to a gang group called Boko Haram known for extorting money from local businesses in Mamelodi township, Pretoria.

Mogotsi alleged Cele knew Matlala was “John Wick” since 2018, contradicting Cele's claim he only met Matlala in 2024.

He claimed Cele was furnished with a report on Matlala’s alleged criminal involvement.

Mogotsi further alleged National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola expected R25 million, with R5 million already paid, and Cele allegedly demanded R8 million more.

He claimed that Cele and Masemola plotted to bring Cele back and fire suspended deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.

Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo's testimony last month revealed WhatsApp chats between Mogotsi and Matlala showing alleged efforts to make payments to politicians, protect tenders and disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

Khumalo, who is PKTT head, stated that Mogotsi used Matlala's funds to cover expenses for ANC members during this year’s January 8 Statement celebrations in Khayelitsha. 

He said Matlala wanted to meet Mchunu at the ANC's January 8, 2025 celebration in Cape Town and had offered to subsidise ANC members' travel to the event.

He told the commission how Mogotsi's connections to Matlala have raised concerns about potential corruption and undue influence, and that they shared classified SAPS documents.

“He offered, in December 2024, to contribute to the event by subsidising ordinary ANC members from different parts of the country to be able to attend the ANC celebration,” Mogotsi said.

According to him, Matlala made a payment of R149 000 towards a company called Gotlhe Travel, a travel agent, run by Mogotsi’s fiance.

In his testimony Khumalo alleged that Mogotsi pressured Matlala into depositing R37 000, which is 25% of the total amount of R140 000, into Gotlhe Travel during a WhatsApp conversation on Christmas Day.

The WhatsApp message from Mogotsi to Matlala read in part that “if you don't make the payment by tomorrow, December 26, 2024, at noon we'll have to prioritise the next available client”. 

Matlala subsequently paid an outstanding amount of R111 000.

Mkhwanazi had said Matlala was helping fund Mchunu’s ANC presidential ambitions. Mchunu has since been placed on enforced leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Cape Times