Marcus Moloko
Police raided the Mahikeng business premises of political fixer and businessman Brown Mogotsi on Thursday night as part of investigations into alleged political interference in the criminal justice system.
Mogotsi confirmed the search and seizure operation, saying during televised interviews that police had asked for a meeting at 10 pm, which he declined after noticing some officers wore balaclavas. “They want the phone, I need to testify,” he said, claiming attempts were being made to silence him.
The raid targeted confidential documents and electronic devices allegedly tied to Crime Intelligence operations.
Mogotsi said the raid was a ploy to intimidate him ahead of his testimony before the Madlanga Commission in two weeks time. The commission has invited him to respond to corruption allegations emerging from earlier testimonies.
Mogotsi’s name has surfaced in both the parliamentary ad hoc committee and the Madlanga Commission probes into criminality and political interference in the criminal justice system.
In videos circulating on social media, Mogotsi is heard saying that police attempted to confiscate his mobile phone – the same device he claims contained evidence crucial to his upcoming testimony.
Suspended Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, has told the ad hoc committee that Mogotsi once joined him for breakfast but left without paying.
Mogotsi said all would be made public when he testified.
The Mahikeng businessman has also acknowledged a business relationship with alleged tender fraudster and murder accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, describing it as purely professional.
But testimony from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo has placed Mogotsi at the centre of a network accused of having underworld links and capturing elements of the justice system.
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