Suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu Clarifies Ties to Controversial Figure Brown Mogotsi in Ad Hoc Testimony
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has clarified his relationship with controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, insisting he knows him only as a comrade from ANC circles since 2017 and has no deep personal or criminal ties. During his ongoing testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, Mchunu faced tough questions from evidence leader Norman Arendse about apparent inconsistencies in his previous statements. He denied lying to the police committee in March, accusing KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of twisting his words to fuel allegations. This session, part of a probe into political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS), highlights ongoing tensions and accusations linking Mchunu to organised crime networks.
Mogotsi, a figure embroiled in scandals including alleged corruption and ties to criminal syndicates, has been a focal point in the inquiry. Recent police raids on his premises and his implication in unlawful SAPS interference have intensified scrutiny. Mchunu’s defence aims to distance himself from these claims, but contradictions in his affidavit and prior testimony have raised doubts about his credibility.
Mchunu’s Defence: Comrade, Not Associate
Under questioning, Mchunu drew a line between knowing someone as an associate versus a comrade. He explained that Mogotsi is a fellow ANC member he has met occasionally since 2017, but their interactions are limited to casual talks on politics or general matters. “In the period, I’ve never asked him whether he’s married or not, I’ve never gone to his home, I’ve never gone to look at soccer or restaurant, I’ve never inquired about his personal life, whether he’s employed or not employed, because we just occasionally talk about this and that,” Mchunu said.
He referenced his affidavit, where he warns against jumping to conclusions when people claim to know him, saying it does not mean deep ties. Mchunu insisted he has no links to crime syndicates or criminally implicated individuals, rejecting Mkhwanazi’s suggestions otherwise. “I know that, at the same time, statements have been made in this committee and I’m no criminal. General Mkhwanazi knows in his conscience that I’m not a criminal and I have nothing to do with criminal syndicates,” he stated.
This clarification follows Arendse’s probe into Mchunu’s March appearance before the police committee, where he denied knowing Mogotsi. Mchunu argued Mkhwanazi misrepresented his words in a July 6 briefing, twisting them to imply a complete denial of acquaintance. “Now what complicated things, in my view, is that when General Mkhwanazi made his statement on the 6th of July, he then tells the public something twisted. He says Minister Mchunu said he doesn’t know Brown Mogotsi in Parliament, which I never said. I never said [that]. But he tells the public something twisted,” Mchunu explained.
Who is Brown Mogotsi? A Controversial Figure in the Spotlight
Brown Mogotsi, also known as Oupa Brown Mogotsi, is a North West businessman with a controversial reputation, linked to allegations of organised crime, corruption, and political interference. Police raided his premises in Mahikeng on 16 October 2025 as part of probes into dodgy dealings, where he is accused of siphoning money and scamming people by selling ANC memberships. Mogotsi has been described as an alleged associate of Mchunu and criminal kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, with ties to unlawful activities at SAPS.
The Madlanga Commission issued a Rule 3 notice to Mogotsi, notifying him of implications in its inquiry into criminal syndicates infiltrating law enforcement. He is also connected to a Gauteng-based cartel allegedly involved in extortion and murders. These links have fuelled speculation about Mchunu’s associations, which he has repeatedly denied.
Broader Context of the Ad Hoc Committee Probe
The Ad Hoc Committee, formed after Mkhwanazi’s explosive July briefing on criminal infiltration in policing, is examining political meddling in SAPS operations. Mchunu’s testimony has centred on his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which he defends as lawful but critics see as protecting implicated figures. He has faced questions on audio recordings of alleged threats from Mkhwanazi and his handling of tenders linked to controversial individuals.
Mchunu’s special leave pending the probe’s outcome has intensified political scrutiny, with opposition parties like the EFF demanding accountability. The committee’s findings could lead to reforms in the security cluster, addressing issues like cadre deployment and corruption.
Political Ramifications and Calls for Accountability
Mchunu’s clarifications aim to clear his name, but inconsistencies have drawn fire from critics. The DA and EFF have used such moments to question GNU stability, with calls for Mchunu’s removal if proven dishonest. Public trust in SAPS hangs in the balance, as allegations of protection for criminals erode confidence.
As the inquiry continues, Mchunu’s denials will be tested against evidence, potentially shaping his political future and the fight against corruption in law enforcement. South Africans await the committee’s report for clarity on these high-stakes issues.# Suspended Minister Senzo Mchunu Clarifies Ties to Controversial Figure Brown Mogotsi in Ad Hoc Testimony
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has clarified his relationship with controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, insisting he knows him only as a comrade from ANC circles since 2017 and has no deep personal or criminal ties. During his ongoing testimony before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, Mchunu faced tough questions from evidence leader Norman Arendse about apparent inconsistencies in his previous statements. He denied lying to the police committee in March, accusing KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of twisting his words to fuel allegations. This session, part of a probe into political interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS), highlights ongoing tensions and accusations linking Mchunu to organised crime networks.
Mogotsi, a figure embroiled in scandals including alleged corruption and ties to criminal syndicates, has been a focal point in the inquiry. Recent police raids on his premises and his implication in unlawful SAPS interference have intensified scrutiny. Mchunu’s defence aims to distance himself from these claims, but contradictions in his affidavit and prior testimony have raised doubts about his credibility.
Mchunu’s Defence: Comrade, Not Associate
Under questioning, Mchunu drew a line between knowing someone as an associate versus a comrade. He explained that Mogotsi is a fellow ANC member he has met occasionally since 2017, but their interactions are limited to casual talks on politics or general matters. “In the period, I’ve never asked him whether he’s married or not, I’ve never gone to his home, I’ve never gone to look at soccer or restaurant, I’ve never inquired about his personal life, whether he’s employed or not employed, because we just occasionally talk about this and that,” Mchunu said.
He referenced his affidavit, where he warns against jumping to conclusions when people claim to know him, saying it does not mean deep ties. Mchunu insisted he has no links to crime syndicates or criminally implicated individuals, rejecting Mkhwanazi’s suggestions otherwise. “I know that, at the same time, statements have been made in this committee and I’m no criminal. General Mkhwanazi knows in his conscience that I’m not a criminal and I have nothing to do with criminal syndicates,” he stated.
This clarification follows Arendse’s probe into Mchunu’s March appearance before the police committee, where he denied knowing Mogotsi. Mchunu argued Mkhwanazi misrepresented his words in a July 6 briefing, twisting them to imply a complete denial of acquaintance. “Now what complicated things, in my view, is that when General Mkhwanazi made his statement on the 6th of July, he then tells the public something twisted. He says Minister Mchunu said he doesn’t know Brown Mogotsi in Parliament, which I never said. I never said [that]. But he tells the public something twisted,” Mchunu explained.
Who is Brown Mogotsi? A Controversial Figure in the Spotlight
Brown Mogotsi, also known as Oupa Brown Mogotsi, is a North West businessman with a controversial reputation, linked to allegations of organised crime, corruption, and political interference. Police raided his premises in Mahikeng on 16 October 2025 as part of probes into dodgy dealings, where he is accused of siphoning money and scamming people by selling ANC memberships.
The Madlanga Commission issued a Rule 3 notice to Mogotsi, notifying him of implications in its inquiry into criminal syndicates infiltrating law enforcement. He is also connected to a Gauteng-based cartel allegedly involved in extortion and murders. These links have fuelled speculation about Mchunu’s associations, which he has repeatedly denied.
Broader Context of the Ad Hoc Committee Probe
The Ad Hoc Committee, formed after Mkhwanazi’s explosive July briefing on criminal infiltration in the justice system, is examining political meddling in SAPS operations. Mchunu’s testimony has centred on his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which he defends as lawful but critics see as protecting implicated figures.
MPs pressed him on why he did not consult senior police officials before the move. He admitted no specific discussions on the PKTT occurred in prior meetings with them, arguing consultations were unnecessary as the decision fell within his ministerial powers.
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