Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently denied having a close relationship with Brown Mogotsi, a controversial figure linked to a disputed R360 million police tender.
The minister, in a statement released on Wednesday, 9 July, said that he knows Mogotsi only as a “comrade” and has never requested or received anything from him.
Contradictory Statements Raised Questions
Earlier this year, Mchunu reportedly told Parliament that he did not know Mogotsi at all.
This apparent contradiction has raised questions about the accuracy of the minister’s statements and whether he was fully transparent with lawmakers.
The Minister admits knowing and meeting Mr Mogotsi, calling him “just a comrade”, yet denies any association?
‘📝FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 July 2025STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS REGARDING THE MINISTER’S ALLEGED ASSOCIATION WITH MR MATLALA AND MR MOGOTSI
In response to… pic.twitter.com/TPqyNXNoGH
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) July 9, 2025
Allegations from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has publicly alleged that Mogotsi and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, involved in the same tender, maintain close ties with Minister Mchunu.
Mkhwanazi claims these connections indicate political interference in police operations.
The tender awarded to Matlala’s company was suspended after suspicions of wrongdoing emerged.
According to IOL, Minister Mchunu confirmed that he initiated a review of the tender to address these concerns. Stating his commitment to clean governance.
Critics and opposition members have called for an independent investigation into the tender irregularities and the minister’s alleged associations.
The controversy has sparked public demand for transparency and accountability within the South African Police Service.
President Ramaphosa Calls for Calm
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged calm as tensions rise between senior police officials
He has emphasised the need for clarity and resolution to restore public confidence in law enforcement.
Should Parliament launch an independent inquiry into Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s ties to Brown Mogotsi and the tender scandal?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
