Court hears Brown Mogotsi made secret calls to Matlala during Mkhwanazi’s explosive SAPS briefing

The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court has heard that Brown Mogotsi made multiple attempts to call alleged murder-accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala on a secret prison cellphone on the same day KZN police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi delivered a bombshell press briefing.

The revelation came during Matlala’s formal bail application on Tuesday. 

Matlala, 49, stands accused of orchestrating a hit on actress Innocentia Thobejane in 2023. 

He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. 

He is charged alongside four co-accused: his wife, Tsakani Matlala (accused four); Musa Kekana (accused one); and Tiegi Floyd Mabusela (accused two).

Mabusela’s daughter, 23-year-old Nthabiseng Nzama, is a state witness.

The charges stem from a shooting on the N1 highway near Sandton in 2023, during which Thobejane - known for her role in the television series ‘Muvhango,’ was shot in the foot. A female passenger in her vehicle sustained a serious spinal injury.

Matlala appeared in shackles under heavy police guard.

During the proceedings, the state read out an affidavit from the investigating officer opposing bail. 

The court heard that Matlala was found with a cellphone during a raid at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility in Pretoria. 

IOL News previously reported the raid was led by Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale in July, including the high-security C-Max section.

According to the state, Matlala tried to dispose of the phone by throwing it into a toilet inside his cell.

“On the same day, the device was taken for forensic download,” the State said.

The State presented two screenshots taken from the phone, showing activity on July 6.

This was the same day Mkhwanazi held a press conference in which he alleged political interference and protection of criminal networks within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

During the briefing, Mkhwanazi implicated Mogotsi, a North West businessman, as an informant of the now-suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. 

However Mchunu has rubbished the claim. 

Mkhwanazi also named Matlala as a politically connected businessman involved in alleged attempts to capture the justice system.

“What is significant about this date is that this was when Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi made his explosive remarks about corruption within the SAPS,” the state said. 

“What is even more telling is that the applicant (Matlala) was watching the press release on his phone.”

The State said three notable contacts were found on Matlala’s phone, including that of a police officer from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, who was saved as “operator.”

Another number of interest, labeled as contact number 18, belonged to Brown Mogotsi.

“What is important to note is that Mogotsi attempted to make contact on several occasions with the applicant on July 6,” the state said. 

“The question that arises - and begs for an answer - is how did Mogotsi know he could reach the applicant on that number while he was incarcerated and awaiting trial?”

The state said the phone had been in private recording mode and placed in flight mode while in use.

The State told the court that Matlala’s affidavit included a number of “violent” and serious allegations against the investigating team.

“He attacks their integrity, accuses them of theft, and claims they are inclined to plant evidence against him,” the state said. 

“I have already spent hours in consultation with the team. We do not accept these allegations at face value.”

The State requested more time to respond to the new claims. 

Magistrate Dyta Prinsloo granted the request and postponed the bail application to September 8, 2025.

Matlala has also been implicated in other high-profile cases, including attempted hits on taxi boss Joe Sibanyoni and musician Seunkie “DJ Vettys” Mokubung. 

However, he has denied the charges in all matters.

Meanwhile, following Mkhwanazi’s press briefing, President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Mchunu and appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as the acting Police Minister.

He also appointed a commission of inquiry to investigate the commissioner’s allegations.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News