Police have raided the premises of businessman Brown Mogotsi in Seweding village in Mahikeng, in the North West.
National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said police went to Mogotsi’s premises as part of an ongoing investigation that has already been discussed before the Ad hoc committee and the Madlanga commission.
Mogotsi, an alleged associate of embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, has been widely accused of siphoning money from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to bankroll the ANC’s activities.
He has been implicated in the alleged unlawful interference at the South African Police Service (SAPS). Mogotsi has been a central figure during the Madlanga Commission’s early testimony, with multiple witnesses pointing to his proximity to high ranking SAPS officials, being an information peddler and his alleged role in corrupting the integrity of law enforcement.
Mogotsi’s name featured prominently through WhatsApp messages at the Madlanga Commission which showed how he used his ties to the ANC to get money from criminals for his benefit. Some monies were used to fund ANC activities.
Last week, reported that the ANC had distanced itself from allegations of organised criminal activity levelled against Mogotsi, stating that he was not a registered member of the party.
However, Mogotsi struck back, maintaining that his membership remains valid and that he can prove it.
“I am a member of the ANC and I shall remain a member, a volunteer of the African National Congress. That is the status,” Mogotsi said in an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
In contrast, Mbalula told journalists that Mogotsi’s ANC membership had expired, meaning the North West businessman was no longer part of the movement.
Mogotsi rubbished the claims, accusing Mbalula of acting prematurely and relying on untested information presented to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
“He is relying on messages presented to the commission. I thought as a secretary-general of the oldest movement on the continent, he would allow the rule which he mentioned, the audi alteram (partem principle, to state his side of the story),” said Mogotsi at the time.
He dismissed Mbalula’s assertions as “immaterial.”
Mogotsi added that he would not contest any decision by the ANC to terminate his membership.
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