Brown Mogotsi Denies ‘D-Day’ Text Linked to PKTT Disbandment, Questions Continuing Testimony at Madlanga Commission
Pretoria – North West businessman and self-described Crime Intelligence contact agent Brown Mogotsi has strongly denied that his New Year’s Eve 2024 text message to alleged cartel figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala had any connection to the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). Testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Wednesday, 20 November 2025, Mogotsi insisted the “today is D-Day” message referred only to an outstanding payment Matlala owed him for an ANC event in January 2025. This comes on the same day suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu issued the controversial directive to shut down the PKTT, fueling suspicions of deeper involvement.
Mogotsi’s appearance, marked by intense cross-examination and pointed questions from the commission chair, also saw him express doubts about whether he should keep testifying, citing concerns over the panel’s trust in his oath. His evidence, part of a broader probe into police corruption and political interference, has unraveled under scrutiny, leaving observers questioning the reliability of his explosive claims.
Mogotsi Explains ‘D-Day’ Text as Financial Matter
During his testimony, Mogotsi faced direct questions about the timing and meaning of his message to Matlala. He maintained it was unrelated to the PKTT’s fate, focusing instead on money matters. “The D-Day was for the payment of the January 8th. And then to stand back. And I only spoke about your safety and business because I did allude yesterday it was after I heard that they (were) going to Matlala. They were going to do a similar thing they did previously. And even if you check the next one I said you must just fight what comes your way,” Mogotsi explained.
The text coincided with Mchunu’s New Year’s Eve directive, which disbanded the PKTT amid allegations of misconduct within the unit. Mogotsi, however, portrayed the message as a simple reminder for Matlala to settle debts from an ANC-related event, distancing himself from any orchestration of the task team’s closure.
This denial builds on Mogotsi’s broader narrative of being an insider exposing corruption, but evidence leaders challenged him on inconsistencies, leading to moments where his account appeared to falter.
Doubts Over Oath and Continuation of Testimony
A tense exchange unfolded when Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga questioned whether Mogotsi took his oath seriously, noting that it binds him to tell the truth. Mogotsi responded by voicing frustration over perceived biases. “If someone is in my shoes, does it help for me to be here or as it goes on, it will start to bind in the mind of the commissioners. Is it still appropriate for me to be sitting here giving evidence on a known fact that the oath that I have taken doesn’t help,” he said.
This moment highlighted growing tensions, with Mogotsi suggesting the commission’s doubts could prejudice his evidence. Madlanga reminded him of the oath’s gravity, urging full honesty as the inquiry seeks to uncover truths about police meddling.
Mogotsi’s hesitation came after a day of grilling where his claims were picked apart, including allegations that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini were CIA operatives – assertions he could not substantiate with evidence.
Mogotsi’s Role as Contact Agent and Broader Allegations
On his first day of testimony on 19 November 2025, Mogotsi revealed he served as a Crime Intelligence “contact agent” since 2010, using covert identities to infiltrate targets. He claimed recruitment by late Deputy Commissioner Sindile Mfazi in 2020 to probe irregularities, but his story faced scepticism.
Mogotsi dropped several bombshells, accusing Mkhwanazi of using the PKTT for political fights and receiving bribes from Matlala. He also alleged Masemola and former Minister Bheki Cele took kickbacks tied to a R360-million health tender. Evidence leader Advocate Matthew Chaskalson dismantled these, noting factual errors like claiming a coal mine in Richards Bay – which does not exist – leading Mogotsi to shift locations.
Co-commissioner Advocate Sesi Baloyi expressed concern over unbacked claims, warning Mogotsi against using the platform recklessly. “I’m concerned that we may well be grossly irresponsible and reckless as a commission that we’ve given you a platform where you’re making all these statements and you present them as facts and you keep saying ‘I’m here to help the commission’ when in fact they are not backed up by any facts or even basic investigation on your part,” Baloyi said.
Mogotsi also recounted a recent assassination attempt on 5 November 2025 in Vosloorus, Johannesburg, where his car was shot at. He escaped unhurt but linked it to his whistleblowing, denying staging it.
Commission Background and Implications
The Madlanga Commission, appointed by Ramaphosa in August 2025, probes Mkhwanazi’s July 2025 claims of mafia ties in police and politics, plus the PKTT’s sudden disbandment. In its second phase, implicated people like Mogotsi respond.
Mogotsi’s evidence has been dramatic but questioned for lacking proof. His ties to Matlala, a alleged cartel leader, and claims of facilitating bribes have painted him as a middleman, but cross-examination showed gaps.
Public reactions are mixed, with some seeing him as a brave insider, others as unreliable. Social media buzzed with clips of his unraveling, one user noting: “Brown Mogotsi faces scrutiny over alleged political interference in police matters.”
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