Pretoria – North West businessman Oupa Brown Mogotsi has denied claims that alleged crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala contributed financially to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s prospective ANC presidency campaign.
Mogotsi gave testimony on Thursday at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria as the Madlanga commission examined text messages exchanged between him, Matlala, and Mchunu. Previously described as a political “fixer,” Mogotsi is accused of acting as a middleman between the minister and Matlala.
Earlier evidence suggested Matlala allegedly donated R500 000 for Mchunu’s expected 2027 ANC presidency bid, reportedly channelled through Mogotsi. The businessman rejected these claims, insisting Matlala’s contributions were limited to ANC events. He said Matlala had given R149 000 to cover transport for members attending the ANC’s January 8 celebrations in Cape Town, with payments processed through a business owned by Mogotsi’s fiancée.
Commission evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson questioned Mogotsi about messages sent on 31 December 2024, the same day Mchunu dissolved the political killings task team. Chaskalson noted a text in which Mogotsi asked Matlala for R12 500 each to support two ANC regional events, warning “we are going to lose voters.”
Mogotsi maintained the requested R25 000 was intended solely for regional activities and not for any presidential campaign. Regarding Matlala’s response offering help for “whatever the minister needs,” Mogotsi told the commission: “It doesn’t sound like nothing. He was just saying he won’t change his mind to contribute to the minister.”
He added he had no authority to solicit funds on Mchunu’s behalf and said no money was given to the minister. Mogotsi also noted that any formal ANC presidential campaign has not started and there are still two years before such activities begin.
The commission is scheduled to continue hearings on Tuesday, with Mogotsi expected to return for further testimony.
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