Oupa Brown Mogotsi known just as Brown Mogotsi, is a South African businessman from the North West province who has become a central figure in allegations of corruption, political interference, and leaks of confidential police information. [1] He is prominently discussed in relation to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. [2]
In July 2025 he told Sunday World that he had been involved, in an informant or “undercover” capacity, in intelligence work and claimed involvement in the operation that led to the arrest of fugitive Thabo Bester, assertions that attracted attention because they bear on whether Mogotsi acted as a formal or informal state source. These claims have not been independently verified in court; they are reported as Mogotsi's statements. [3]
His criminal record includes convictions for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), defeating the ends of justice, and reckless driving, among others. Some of his earlier cases date back to as early as 1997; over time he has had multiple charges in North West province for assault, theft and fraud. [4]
The Madlanga Commission has heard several serious allegations against Mogotsi, based on WhatsApp messages and testimony from senior police and intelligence officials. According to Crime Intelligence head Lt-Gen. Dumisani Khumalo, Mogotsi is alleged to have facilitated payments from businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala in exchange for favours including access to classified South African Police Service (SAPS) documents, leaks of police operations, and influence over SAPS tenders. [5] A key highlighted transaction involved a payment of about R38,000 to Gotlhe Specialists, a business linked to Mogotsi, which then transferred money to him. [2] [6] Khumalo claims Mogotsi used his connections (including to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu) to obtain influence over contacts in the ANC, to the point where some of these funds were used for ANC or political event funding. [7] It's alleged that Mogotsi was informed about police operations, raids, or disbandment of specialized police units ahead of others, potentially via leaked or shared information. [8] [9]
Witnesses have alleged that Mogotsi acted as an intermediary between businesspeople and serving or former SAPS officials, including claims that he had access to sensitive crime-intelligence information and used connections to influence tender and operational outcomes. [10] Mogotsi was issued a Rule 3 notice by the Commission and asked to respond to the allegations. In October 2025, Mogotsi formally sought more time from the Commission to prepare his response to a five-day Rule 3 deadline; media reports noted the request and the political sensitivity of his potential testimony. [11]
On 16 October 2025, Mogotsi's business in Mahikeng, in the North West province, was raided, following information that was presented to the ad hoc committee at the Commission. The police were searching for confidential police documents and electronic devices, but he was not at the site when officers arrived. [12] The raid formed part of an ongoing investigation and, after a failed attempt to locate him, police are reported to be looking for Mogotsi. [13] In an interview with ENCA , Mogotsi said that although the raid was within the bounds of the law, he fears for his life. [14]
Mogotsi said that he intends to hand over his digital devices at the Sandton police station and said he is willing to appear and give evidence at the Madlanga Commission. [12] Mogotsi has threatened to name other people who allegedly received funds from Matlala and has pushed back on claims the ANC has distanced itself from him, insisting he remains a party member. [15]
On 04 November 2025, it was reported that Mogotsi survived an attempt on his life at Vosloorus when four men shot multiple times at his car. [16]
Senior police officials have given conflicting accounts before parliamentary and commission processes about the nature and depth of their contacts with Mogotsi.
Shadrack Sibiya, the suspended Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, told Parliament's ad-hoc committee that he knows Mogotsi and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and described limited face-to-face encounters (for example, at an ANC January 8 event), while seeking to distance himself from any improper relationship. Sibiya said he met Mogotsi a small number of times and described interactions that he characterised as non-personal and professional. [17]
At the same time Sibiya denied acting on behalf of others in the matters alleged and cast doubt on the authenticity of some WhatsApp messages relied on by other witnesses; he told committee members he had met Mogotsi only a few times and rejected assertions that he had been part of conspiratorial meetings. [10]
Sibiya also said that when Mogotsi raised concerns about Crime Intelligence following him, Sibiya alerted the National Commissioner and used the information to his advantage for personal safety, an account reported as reflecting the complicated operational and personal interactions between civilians offering information and police officials. [18] [19]
The African National Congress (ANC) has publicly stated that Mogotsi's membership had lapsed (the party has distanced itself from him in light of the inquiries), while Mogotsi has at times asserted continuing ties or described himself as an ANC activist. [20]
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