Senzo Mchunu's change of tune on Brown Mogotsi sparks calls for inquiry

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s shifting statements about Brown Mogotsi — initially calling him “some fellow” and later acknowledging him as a “comrade” — raise serious concerns about credibility and accountability, says policing expert Professor Jean Steyn.

Mchunu told Parliament on March 5 that he did not know Mogotsi, after being shown a photograph of the man who was allegedly claiming a false association with the minister.

“I don’t know this person,” Mchunu said at the time.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday, Mchunu admitted to having met Mogotsi. “He is just a comrade, not an associate. I’ve never requested or received anything from him,” he said.

Speaking to IOL News, Steyn said the minister’s about-turn was troubling and suggested possible obfuscation.

“Minister Mchunu’s initial distancing from Brown Mogotsi, followed by later acknowledging him as a comrade, is highly indicative of a strategic recalibration rather than mere forgetfulness or confusion,” he said. “The backtracking is a red flag suggesting the minister’s initial narrative was incomplete or deliberately misleading, warranting further investigation into their ties.”

Mogotsi has been implicated in alleged political interference in police operations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi has accused Mchunu and other senior officials of colluding with a criminal syndicate linked to drug cartels and politically connected figures.

Mchunu has denied the allegations. “I’ve never met or spoken to Vusimuzi Matlala,” he said. Matlala, a businessman facing murder charges, is central to the claims.

Mchunu confirmed initiating a review into a SAPS tender awarded to Matlala, which was subsequently terminated.

Steyn said the alleged involvement of Mogotsi, who is not a police official, in discussions about disbanding a unit investigating political killings, was “deeply concerning.”

“It suggests that politically connected non-official actors may be influencing operational decisions, undermining institutional independence,” he said. “It compromises justice and enables impunity.”

Mchunu, in a letter to National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola, wrote that the political killings task team — formed in 2019 following the Moerane Commission — was no longer necessary.

“My observation is that the continued existence of this team is no longer required nor adding value to policing in South Africa,” Mchunu stated, directing that the task team be disbanded and a report submitted by 20 January 2025.

However, Masemola on Wednesday denied signing any directive to dismantle the team.

Steyn noted that alleged WhatsApp messages between Mogotsi and Matlala — referring to “protecting political interests” and “targeting investigators” — were highly alarming.

“The language suggests deliberate attempts to obstruct or intimidate investigators,” he said. “It could amount to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and reflects an environment where political loyalty overrides the law.”

Steyn called for an urgent, independent inquiry and protective measures for investigators.

He added that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response would be politically significant. “Ramaphosa might initiate a judicial commission. Depending on its findings, he could suspend or remove implicated officials, including Mchunu, and implement reforms to insulate the police from political interference.”

But real accountability, Steyn cautioned, would depend on political will.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance said it would lay criminal charges against Mchunu on Thursday at Cape Town Central Police Station, accusing him of misleading Parliament and interfering in police operations.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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